Gallery: Stunning Shots of Space Shuttle *Endeavour'*s Final Flight

  • Kennedy Space Center
    01

    kennedy-space-center

    Over the last three days, [the Space Shuttle Endeavour made its way from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Los Angeles](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/09/space-shuttle-endeavour-lands-in-los-angeles/), where it will go on display at the California Science Center. Along the way, the space plane -- bolted to the top of a modified Boeing 747 -- hammed it up, treating cities and NASA centers across the southern United States to low-altitude flybys. It was one final victory lap for a spacecraft that provided astronauts with reliable access to the Space Station and low-Earth orbit, racking up 123 million miles over 25 flights and nearly two decades. Millions of people looked skyward, snapping photos and cheering as the Shuttle cruised overhead. Here is a sampling of some of the best images from the journey, from NASA escort jets and fans on the ground. __Above:__ Endeavour, bolted to the top of a Boeing 747, began its journey from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, September 19th. *(Photo: NASA/Robert Markowitz)*
  • Houston
    02

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    The final Space Shuttle flew over Houston before spending Wednesday night near Johnson Space Center. *(Photo: NASA/Sheri Locke)*
  • Edwards Air Force Base
    03

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    Endeavour began its tour of California on Friday, September 21st after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base. Roughly one-third of all Shuttle landings occurred at Edwards. *(Photo: NASA/Jim Ross)*
  • Golden Gate
    04

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    Endeavour split the uprights of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. *(Photo: Regina Clewlow)*
  • Alcatraz
    05

    alcatraz

    During its flyover of San Francisco, Endeavour cruised over Alcatraz. *(Photo: Regina Clewlow)*
  • Pasadena
    06

    pasadena

    Endeavour passes over Pasadena. *(Photo: David Case)*
  • JPL
    07

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    At NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, scientists operating the Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity took a break from interplanetary operations to watch the flyover. Here, Endeavour passes above the “Mars Yard”, where a Curiosity mock-up undergoes mobility tests. *(Photo: Abigail Fraeman)*
  • Burger
    08

    burger

    Endeavour flies over iconic burger joint In N Out before landing at LAX. *(Photo: Geoffrey Ravenhill)*
  • Jet Escort
    09

    jet-escort

    The Space Shuttle was escorted by two NASA jets during its tour of California. *(Photo: Jen Griffes)*
  • Final Approach
    10

    final-approach

    The Shuttle made three passes over LAX, as low as several hundred feet above the airport. *(Photo: Jen Griffes)*
  • Anticipation at LAX
    11

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    Onlookers line the roads surrounding Los Angeles International Airport in anticipation of Endeavour’s arrival. *(Photo: Jen Griffes)*
  • Clear the Runway
    12

    clear-the-runway

    A cameraman prepares for landing while a Korean Airlines cargo jet taxis on the runway. All air traffic was shut down for several minutes surrounding Endeavour’s arrival. *(Photo: Jen Griffes)*
  • LAX
    13

    lax

    After landing, the Shuttle Carrier taxied to the United Air Lines hangar at LAX. There, it will be detached and prepared for its 12-mile journey through the streets of Los Angeles in mid-October. *(Photo: Jen Griffes)*
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