Space Shuttle Endeavour's Grand Farewell: A Journey to History

The skies above California witnessed a truly remarkable sight on September 21, 2012, as Space Shuttle Endeavour embarked on its final, majestic journey. This wasn't a mission to orbit, but a poignant "farewell tour" culminating in its permanent residence at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Carried piggyback atop a specially modified Boeing 747, known as the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), Endeavour's flight was a spectacular send-off for one of NASA's most beloved orbiters.

A Majestic Sight: Endeavour's Final Flight

The image captures Endeavour's impressive scale as it soars through the azure sky, dwarfing the 747 beneath it. This unique ferry system, developed by NASA, allowed the retired shuttles to be transported across the country to their new homes. For onlookers below, it was an emotional and awe-inspiring display, a final chance to see a space shuttle in flight before it transitioned from an "active" vehicle to a historical artifact.

Legacy of a Space Pioneer

Space Shuttle Endeavour (OV-105) was the fifth and final operational orbiter built, primarily to replace Space Shuttle Challenger. Named through a national competition involving students, Endeavour launched on its maiden flight in May 1992. Over its two decades of service, it completed 25 successful missions, spending 299 days in space, orbiting Earth 4,671 times, and traveling over 122 million miles. Its significant contributions include the first servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, numerous International Space Station assembly flights, and carrying the first African American woman into space, Mae Jemison.

A New Home, A Lasting Inspiration

Upon its arrival in Los Angeles, Endeavour was carefully de-mated from the SCA and transported through the city streets to its final destination, drawing massive crowds eager to bid it a final welcome. Today, Endeavour stands as a centerpiece at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center, inspiring millions of visitors annually about the marvels of human ingenuity, space exploration, and the enduring legacy of the Space Shuttle program. Its journey from launchpad to museum exhibit serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's ceaseless quest to explore the cosmos.