Toyota Tundra to Tow Space Shuttle Endeavour to California Science Center
As the space shuttle Endeavour nears its final resting place at the California Science Center, a Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck will be responsible for towing it on the shuttle’s last leg of its journey.
The event will take place on October 13th, 2012 when the shuttle will travel a total of 12 miles from Los Angeles International Airport to the Science Center, and the Tundra will be towing the 300,000-lb shuttle for the last quarter mile of its trip. A factory, stock 2012 Tundra CrewMax 1/2-ton pickup will be tasked with the job, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine with a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. Don’t worry though, the Japanese automaker has already done extensive testing with The Sarens Group to develop a dolly specifically to haul the Endeavour.
After the Tundra does its job of towing the Endeavour to the Science Center, it will be on display once the Endeavour exhibit opens on October 30th, 2012. There will also be a finish line celebration at Exposition Park on the evening of the 13th as the shuttle arrives at the Science Center.
“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, TMS vice president of marketing communications. “The entire journey is something the world will be watching, and gives us a chance to prove that the ‘overbuilt’ Tundra is built to do any job – even tow the space shuttle.”
GALLERY: Toyota Tundra Towing Shuttle Endeavour
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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My 2011 CrewMax towed our 30ft camper and family of four 8,000 miles on our national tour this summer without an issue! The rear seat area was overbuilt for my 17 & 19 yr old children, even considering my son's 6' and 212lbs of young muscle. But I must answer the Question, "Would I want a diesel 3/4 "Tun" version ... with a loud ... Oh ya !!!!"