Downey Space Center showcases historic shuttle mockup restoration

Columbia Memorial Space Center photo

The Columbia Memorial Space Center showcased to the media Tuesday its work to restore "Inspiration," a full-scale space shuttle mockup that will become the centerpiece of the museum's planned expansion.

The mockup was built in 1972 as an engineering prototype and payload- fitting tool for NASA's shuttle program, according to the space center.

When restoration is complete, "Inspiration" will be moved into the planned science learning complex, where visitors will be able to enter its 60- foot cargo bay and view its flight deck. The cargo bay will feature interactive exhibits, and the restoration work includes cleaning, refreshed surfaces and enhancements to both the deck and cargo areas.

The mockup will be displayed in a glass-walled hall planned as part of the new complex, which will add more than 40,000 square feet to the existing museum, officials said.

The expansion will include classrooms for hands-on STEM learning, outdoor areas and interactive exhibits, according to the space center.

The project is expected to be completed in fall 2027 and open to the public in spring 2028. The space center's Project Inspiration campaign aims to raise $50 million for construction, exhibits and new educational programs.

The shuttle restoration site is located at 12140 Bellflower Blvd., with construction on the expansion underway at 12400 Columbia Way.

The Columbia Memorial Space Center opened in 2009 on the former Downey site where NASA's Apollo spacecraft and space shuttles were designed and built.