A number of mock-ups of the space shuttle Orbiter have been built over the life of the space shuttle program to support a variety of purposes such as engineering evaluations, fit checks, and training.

In the early 1970’s Rockwell built a full-scale mock-up of the orbiter in the DEI Room of Building 1 at the Downey plant. Built with steel framing, a plywood skin and a variety of other materials representative of each of the shuttle’s components, the mock-up was continually updated and was in active use until the Downey facility was officially closed in 1999. To see pictures of the original murals from the DEI Room click here. The mock-up was officially deeded to the City of Downey in December, 1999 as a unique artifact of the space shuttle program.

In the summer of 2003, in order to protect the mock-up from encroaching development activities at the former engineering and manufacturing facility, the City engaged a team of professional museum conservators and movers to evaluate, inventory, partially disassemble, and move the shuttle to a nearby storage facility where it can be better protected and stabilized until it can be moved to a new, permanent home.