NASA’s retired space shuttle Endeavour began the slow trek through the streets of Los Angeles early Friday morning, departing from LAX under cover of darkness and heading westbound on Westchester and into the city.
Crews worked ahead of the orbiter to remove power lines, signs, and other obstacles in the way. Crews behind Endeavour re-connected the downed power lines while the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) provided security and crowd control. Thousands of people turned out at 3:00 a.m. to watch Endeavour maneuver through stop lights and trees on her westward trek, following the shuttle from sidewalks as the orbiter slowly made her way through the city. Although crews fell behind somewhat on their timeline, things appear to be going smoothly as Endeavour prepares for the next leg of her journey late Friday afternoon up Manchester, across the 405 Freeway, and into Inglewood.
Endeavour is currently parked for several hours at the Westchester Shopping Center while crews prepare the next couple miles of Manchester to allow safe passage of NASA’s youngest space shuttle. A public event to officially welcome Endeavour will take place on Saturday morning at The Forum in Inglewood.
– Click HERE for details regarding public viewing opportunities
BELOW: Photo gallery of Endeavour’s first few hours moving through Los Angeles
All Photos Credit: Mike Killian / Zero-G News, Julian Leek / Blue Sawtooth
– Coverage of Endeavour’s move through Los Angeles to her new home at the California Science Center done in cooperation with Zero-G News.
Great! I really really enjoyed this!!! Thank you! Great job my dear friends Mike Killian and Julian Leek.
Very nice write-up, that was (& pics, of course)….and it JUST GOT BETTER & BETTER AFTER THAT..to the amazement of ALL…!!!