In 2023, Bragg’s Heavy Transport division took on a difficult and unique job. In preparation of the opening of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center, the Space Shuttle Endeavour needed to be moved and lifted into place, as highlighted on our site earlier.
Before the amazing lift of the shuttle in early 2024, Bragg Heavy Transport completed the job of hauling the two solid rocket motors (or SRMs) from Mojave, California to the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The Endeavour is the final in its series of shuttles, so these SRMs were incredibly fragile and irreplaceable.
In this lengthy, specialized haul, there were a few critical items to consider in planning a route and equipment choices.
- Keep overall length as short as possible to accommodate for Los Angeles traffic and a congested delivery site in Exposition Park.
- Keep overall height as low as possible due to low bridges on the route.
- Trailers must be steerable.
Bragg’s engineering team designed low profile saddles for the job, which helped ensure the team could achieve the lowest possible overall height. Additionally, to accommodate the need for shortest possible length, Bragg worked with Scheuerle to develop custom 25’ long Deck Extensions, allowing us to support the SRMs in the pickup and drop off locations.
With all this planning and equipment creation done, the team embarked on the 200-mile journey from Mojave all the way to Los Angeles with zero incidents! As the first portion of this historic project, Bragg’s Heavy Transport team executed it with safety, integrity, quality and superior service.
At the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association Conference, this incredible job reached a new milestone; it was awarded Job of the Year in the Hauling Under 160,000 lbs Category. Our team was thrilled to bring the trophy home to Long Beach and celebrate their incredible work together.
