***Disclosure: I was not compensated or paid in any way for this post. I solely am sharing this for the benefit of my readers. All opinions are my own.**
Hey All!
I recently had the amazing opportunity to visit The California Science Center thanks to Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., to witness the unveiling of the new exhibit featuring the Toyota Tundra full-size pick-up truck used to tow the Space Shuttle Endeavour over the 405 Freeway Manchester Boulevard Bridge during its journey through Los Angeles and Inglewood Streets.
The Tundra is on display as part of the Giant Lever Exhibit, located in the California Science Center/California African American Museum parking structure adjacent to the science center entrance. The unveiling commemorated Endeavour’s last flight STS-134, which launched May 16 and landed in the early morning hours of June 1, 2011.
Check out this awesome video to see exactly how the Toyota Tundra towed the Endeavor.
Taking part in the unveiling were Jeffrey Rudolph, president, California Science Center; Michael Rouse, vice president, Diversity, Philanthropy and Community Affairs, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.; Lynda Oschin, chair of the Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Oschin Family Foundation; and former astronaut Garrett Reisman, Ph.D., who flew aboard Endeavour and rode in the Tundra at the time of the Endeavour tow.
Five year-old “future astronauts” Noah Lara and Samantha Comiskey, dressed in orange jumpsuits, demonstrated the science behind the Giant Lever Exhibit. A lever consists of a rigid beam pivoting on a fulcrum. By standing further away from the fulcrum, the two applied less force and were able to lift the Tundra full-size pickup truck.
“We are thrilled to unveil the Toyota Tundra as an addition to our Giant Lever Exhibit, as we commemorate the anniversary of Endeavour’s last mission,” stated Rudolph. “We are grateful for Toyota’s longstanding commitment to science learning.”
In addition to the donation of the Tundra, at the unveiling, Toyota organized a tweet drive during Endeavour’s transport from LAX to the California Science Center, where twitter followers re-tweeted to raise $401,300. How amazing is that?
I got the opportunity to meet the amazing astronaut Garrett Reisman! He’s truly a living American hero. Who wouldn’t love to meet an astronaut!
“Toyota has been a supporter and partner of the California Science Center from the very beginning,” said Rouse. “We are honored to continue our partnership through this fun, interactive exhibit.”
After the ceremony we got the opportunity to view the amazing Endeavour exhibit before the Science Center was opened to the public!
We got to see so much history of this historic flight into space.
The most awe inspiring thing was to see the spectacular Endeavour itself. You can’t imagine the magnitude of this space shuttle until you are in a room with it.
I highly recommend you visit the Toyota Tundra and Endeavour at The California Science Center to use the Giant Lever to lift the 5,625-pound Tundra. It’s an amazing thing to try and a fantastic exhibit for the whole family. For more info visit Toyota.com/TundraEndeavour.
Also if you’re in the market for a new car you have to check out the all-new 2014 Corolla!
With nearly 40 million units sold, the Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars on the planet, and this year marks its 47th year on the market. The Corolla first appeared in Japan in 1966!
I personally own a Toyota Corolla and I love my Corolla deeply. It’s truly one of the best cars ever. I can only imagine what the new Corolla must be like. I think I may have to upgrade!
Do you love the new Toyota Corolla as much as I do?
Comments
We are a Toyota family. My husband has an old Tundra, my daughter drives a Camry, and I have a RAV-4. I like the gas mileage of the Corolla.
What a fun experience! My Dad is a Toyota man. His ’95 Camry (that I learned to drive in) has 350K miles on it. He drove it today. 🙂
My husband really wants a Tundra but since his truck is still going strong (and paid off) he’ll have to wait.
Oh my space loving husband would have LOVED to have attended that event!
I miss having a Toyota. My husband has had quite a few of them. That space center looks really cool.
The science center looks like it would be fun.
I never owned a Toyota but my husband is always talking about how he would love to have a Tundra.
What an amazing experience. We have a Toyota Sienna and LOVE It. Toyota is definitely one of my favorite vehicle brands and the Tundra looks amazing!
I have a camry and still love it. 85,000 miles and all.
I actually do love it, and I have a Camry which has served me well for many years.