Will Tow The Retired Shuttle On The Last Leg Of Its Journey To A Museum

Is there any doubt that this will show up on a television commercial? Toyota has struck a deal to have one of its full-size Tundra pickup trucks tow the Space Shuttle Endeavour through the streets of Los Angeles on the final leg of its journey to the California Science Center next month.

The trip will be short, only about a quarter mile, according to a Toyota news release. The Endeavour will travel a total of 12 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on city streets to the Science Center, with the Tundra towing the last quarter mile.

Tested extensively prior to the announcement, the 2012 Tundra is slated to safely tow the 300,000 pound historic artifact down Bill Robertson Lane in Exposition Park, near downtown Los Angeles, on the final leg of its journey. Endeavour will be towed using a stock 2012 Tundra CrewMax 1/2–ton pickup. The truck is equipped with a 5.7L V8 engine, producing a maximum tow capacity of 10,000 pounds. Toyota has done extensive testing and worked with The Sarens Group, a heavy lifting and engineered transport company, to develop a dolly specifically for hauling the Endeavour.

“There is no larger or more recognizable icon of the U.S. space program’s success than the shuttle, and to have it towed by the Toyota Tundra is not only an incredible example of the capabilities of the truck, but an honor to be part of history,” said Ed Laukes, Toyota vice president of marketing communications. “The entire journey is something the world will be watching.”

Participation in the transportation of the shuttle is part of an ongoing partnership between Toyota and the Science Center in an effort to provide support and awareness of the space program and continuing education of the public through exhibits and programs. Toyota currently has a Tundra truck on display in a Science Center exhibit demonstrating the physics of leverage. The tow Tundra will replace the existing Tundra and will be on display after the Endeavour exhibit opens on October 30, 2012.

At the end of the Endeavour’s 12 mile journey from LAX to the Science Center, a “finish-line” celebration at Exposition Park is planned for the evening of October 13, as the shuttle arrives at the Science Center, allowing the public to witness the finale of this historic voyage.

(Image of Endeavour docked at the ISS provided by NASA)

FMI: www.toyota.com, www.californiasciencecenter.org