The Space Shuttle Endeavour made its final 12-mile journey through Los Angeles to its permanent home at the California Science Center over the weekend. Crews dealt with a variety of challenges as the shuttle crawled through the streets, narrowly passing buildings and trees at a maximum speed of two miles per hour. Southland residents lined the streets to watch the five-story shuttle make its way to the museum. Ultimately, the shuttle arrived at its final destination Sunday, a few hours later than expected.
According to the California Science Center, the Endeavour’s permanent home will be in a new addition to the center called the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which is still under construction. Until the new area is complete, the shuttle will be on display at the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion, opening Oct. 30.
The Space Shuttle Endeavour was manufactured by Rockwell International Corporation in Palmdale and successfully completed 25 space missions between 1992 and 2011. The shuttle’s return to California has been highly anticipated. Many local residents watched the shuttle as it flew over Malibu during its final flight to LAX on Sept. 21.