California Science Center Celebrates the One-Year Anniversary of Endeavour's Arrival

Endeavour Fest takes place October 11 – 13, 2013

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Science Center is commemorating the one-year anniversary of Endeavour's arrival at its Samuel Oschin Pavilion with a celebration to thank everyone who joined in supporting the shuttle's historic journey. Endeavour Fest will take place at the Science Center from October 11 – 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will feature over a dozen NASA exhibits, displays and educational demonstrations illustrating aeronautics, research missions and ongoing space exploration programs for humans, robots and satellites. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and hear astronauts speaking about their experiences and learn about future plans for Endeavour's new permanent home in the Science Center's Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. A SpaceX Dragon will be on display as well. All activities will take place in the Science Center's Donald P. Loker Conference Center.

This exciting community event will also launch the west coast premiere of the Red Bull Stratos Exhibit featuring the 3,000 pound capsule and space suit used by Felix Baumgartner when he jumped from the stratosphere and became the first human to break the sound barrier during freefall. Baumgartner's record-breaking leap took place on October 14, 2012—the same day Endeavour arrived at the Science Center.

Endeavour Fest will premiere the first screenings of Three Nights, Three Days, a new 20-minute documentary on Endeavour's 68-hour transport through the streets of Los Angeles and Inglewood. The film takes a behind-the-scenes look at the monumental feat of moving a 150,000-pound national treasure through 12 miles of urban, public streets. It will screen daily at: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Endeavour Fest Astronaut Presentations

Astronauts and NASA scientists will share stories of their experiences in a series of brief presentations Friday, October 11 - Sunday, October 13:  10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. daily (school groups must reserve in advance).

A Record-Breaking Attendance

Since the shuttle display opened in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion on October 30, 2012, nearly 2.7 million guests have visited the Science Center, over one million more than the previous year - including more than 21,000 visitors in a single day. Guests also broke all-time Science Center attendance records for the months of July and August 2013.

Admission to Endeavour Fest is free however timed tickets will be required to visit the Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit. Advance purchase online is highly recommended to avoid long lines at the Box Office. Please visit our website www.californiasciencecenter.org or call (213) 744-2019 to make a reservation.

Government Shut-down Impact

If the government shut-down continues through Oct. 11, the subsequent lack of funding to NASA will preclude their participation in Endeavour Fest. This means that NASA will not be able to provide exhibits or displays for the event and the NASA scientist presentations will be canceled. However the Science Center will still hold a celebration with astronaut talks, educational activities, screenings of Three Nights, Three Days and will launch the Red Bull Stratos Exhibit. The SpaceX Dragon will still be on display. For updated information please check the California Science Center website at www.californiasciencecenter.org.

About the Science Center

The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring films. Its mission is as follows: "We aspire to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people's lives."

The Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. For recorded information, including IMAX show times, call 323.SCIENCE (323.724-3623). IMAX ticket prices range from $5.00 to $8.25. Tickets ($2 convenience fee) for the Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit are not required except for Endeavour Fest, weekends, holidays and high attendance seasons such as Thanksgiving (day after and weekend), Winter Break, Spring Break and special events. For advance ticket purchases, group rates, or to make reservations for any visiting group of 15 or more (required), call 213.744-2019. Parking is available in the guest lot at Figueroa and 39th / Exposition Park Drive at $10 per car, and $25 for commercial buses or oversize vehicles. Both the Science Center and IMAX Theater are wheelchair accessible. For further information, please visit our website at www.californiasciencecenter.org.

Media Contact: Shell Amega
(213) 744-7446 | [email protected]
www.californiasciencecenter.org

SOURCE California Science Center Foundation