Extra Credit #1: California Space Center

On October 12th, I visited the California Space Center in hopes of finally seeing the spaceship Endeavor in person. I remember the big scene that occurred when they were trying to deliver the shuttle here to LAX: it was first delivered to LAX, and then slowly and carefully transported through the streets of Los Angeles, a process that took over three weeks. I also recollect environmentalists being outraged that they had to cut down trees in order to pass the shuttle through a certain area. Below is a link of the entire process: 

At the ceremony, many guest astronauts presented, and even signed autographs for the guests. Believe it or not, the Oschin Pavilion, which exhibits the orbiter in a horizontal position, is only a temporary display. In the future, with rocket boosters and a fuel tank, it will be displayed vertically, something I really look forward to. I feel like displaying a space shuttle itself is an art, because changing the position of such a technological wonder would really make a difference in how the person views it. Once they actually display it vertically and with more stunning visual effects, a lot more people will definitely come and see it again. This ties back to our discussion on art and science: it is through art and the presentation of objects that science is truly able to maximize its potential. 

Me and my girlfriend at the CSC

At the exhibit, I also felt a dangerous lack of public interest from the younger generations. Seemingly, it was only the old people who actually took the time to read all the explanations and talk to the museum staff about the shuttle. I believe that this lack of interest in sciences was documented in our lecture materials: A Dangerous Divide: The Two Cultures in the 21st Century. Making science relevant to nonscientists and improving public understanding in science has always been a major goal in America. Throughout the exhibit, I really saw the connection between how art and science were connected. Now, I understand completely what the DESMA 9 course is trying to teach us: to explore both cultures with an open mind, and hopefully integrate the two, just like what the California Space Center does. 

The Engine at the CSC

The California Space Center really allowed me to experience one of the things I have been fascinated about: spaceships. These space shuttles are one of the only few things on earth that have ventured into the unknown: space. Also existing as works of art, it really is amazing how much time and effort is put into making these shuttles suitable for flight and for aesthetics. I would definitely recommend visiting the Space Center sometime in the future; not only will you be able to view the Endeavor, but you will also be able to explore countless other exhibits too!

Sources:

Endeavour Space Shuttle Exclusive: A Time Lapse of A Final Ride. Youtube, 18 Oct. 2013. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32yz6EyHgoQ>.

Vesna, Victoria. “Two Cultures-pt2-Stereotypes.” Cole UC online. Youtube, 9 April 2012. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/63226/wiki/unit-1-view?module_item_id=970419>.