Here's a view of Endeavour as you first walk into the Pavalion.
Of course the Space Shuttle Challenger is forever etched in my memory. It was January 1986, Manchester, New Hampshire, and I was a Senior in High School sitting in Math class waiting for the class to begin. My math teacher, Miss Mantineo was at the board, writing problems when the announcement came that the Challenger had blown up. We lost Christa McAuffle that day, New Hampshire's hero, and first teacher in space. Even to this day, I'm easily overcome with tears when I think of it.
Brent and the Boys with Endeavour in the background.
I learned that Endeavour was one of the replacement shuttles after the Challenger blew up. A contest was held throughout America through the Elementary and Secondary schools to name the shuttle. Endeavour was chosen. Endeavour is spelled the British way, in honor of Cook's Endeavour that explored the Pacific Ocean. There's a great picture in the Endeavour pavilion of President George H.W. Bush presenting the name plaque of Endeavour to the children of the winning schools.
Me and Boys Underneath, near the "crawler."
Joe next to one of the rockets.
Endeavour as it travels down an LA Street, October 2012
Endeavour as it just slips by, Oct 2012
Endeavor on the Launch Pad
I also saw an IMAX 3D presentation called Hubble 3D where the space shuttle (I believe it was Atlantis) went up and fixed the Hubble in 2006. The Hubble has taken some great shots of the universe in space - one being a star nursery in the Constellation Orion's Belt. Gorgeous. If you are at the Science Ctr this is a great show to see.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the space shuttles if you have a second.
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Steph
Wonderful post Stephanie. I was just at Exhibition Park a couple of weeks ago as well to see "World Of Cleopatra" (which was next door.)
ReplyDeleteThe space program fascinates me and I am so grateful Los Angeles gave at least one of the shuttles a good home.
Katalina,
DeleteI would have loved to have seen the Cleopatra exhibit! I'm sorry I missed it. I was surprised to learn how involved California was in making the shuttles and with NASA and it's shame how cutbacks have taken away most of it. I'd like to see our national space program and NASA shine again.
Smiles
Steph
Fantastic pictures, Steph. I love your post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Mona.
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Steph
Great pictures, Steph. I am very interested and curious about the space shuttles. I also remember very vividly the death of Christa McCauliff (sp?). It was very sobering and reminded me of just how fragile life is. One moment everything is fine and the next it blows up.
ReplyDeleteVery true Maggie. I think one should live life in the moment and enjoy the moment because you never know what will happen.
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Steph
Wonderful post, Steph! I remember the day clearly and how our daughters were taking tap and ballet classes that day. Everyone was so sad. I thought about how Christa's little girl didn't want her to go and how Christa almost didn't get her application in time to be considered for this flight but her husband had encouraged her to do it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such awesome pictures too!
Diane, yes, her death really affected a lot of people because she appealed to so many as a teacher, a mother, an adventurer. It really rocked NH where I'm from because Christa made us shine as a state. See - great things do come from small packages.
Deletesmiles
Steph