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Keel M.

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This morning the Space Shuttle Endeavor flew from Cape Canaveral Florida to it's final resting place in California. On its flight, the modified 747 carrying the shuttle dropped to an altitude of 1,500 feet over the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi as well as the Michoud Facility in New Orleans East. The low altitude was maintained as it flew over parts of New Orleans heading to Houston for another low fly-over.

Here are two of the photos my co-worker was able to take of the shuttle aboard the 747:

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Edited by Waspie_Dwarf
Put back tags which got lost during merger.
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Wheels Up -- Final Shuttle Ferry Flight Begins

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:42:57 PM GMT

Space shuttle Endeavour departed NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida this morning, secured atop a 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The duo took off from Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility runway shortly after 7:22 a.m. EDT.

Residents and visitors across Florida's Space Coast may catch one last glimpse of the piggybacked pair as the aircraft flies south, making a low pass over nearby beaches, Patrick Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and the runway at Kennedy before leaving the area.

The cross-country journey is expected to end with the ferry flight's arrival at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, Sept. 21.

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Endeavour Departs Space Coast, Heads West

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:42:57 PM GMT

Secured atop NASA's modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, space shuttle Endeavour is headed west after a 7:22 a.m. EDT departure from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The early-morning takeoff marked the beginning of the final ferry flight of the Space Shuttle Program.

The flight path will take the aircraft to the northwest, across the Florida panhandle and toward Houston after low-level passes over NASA's Stennis Space Center in southwest Mississippi and Michoud Assembly Facility east of New Orleans.

Arriving in the Houston area at approximately 9 a.m. CDT, the SCA crew will initiate a 1,500 flyover of various areas of the city, including downtown, before heading to the Clear Lake area. The SCA and Endeavour are predicted to land at Ellington Field at about 10:45 a.m. CDT.

The SCA/Endeavour will depart at dawn on Thursday and make a fueling stop at Biggs Army Air Field in El Paso before proceeding to Dryden Flight Research Facility at Edwards Air Force Base, California. On Friday it will depart Dryden for a flyover of northern California and areas of the Los Angeles basin before landing at LAX between 11 a.m. and noon PDT. In October, Endeavour will move to the California Science Center to begin a new mission inspiring future explorers.

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Image above: Space shuttle Endeavour, secured atop the modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, takes to the skies after departure from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA

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I just started another thread with pics of when it flew over New Orleans.

Sorry, I didn't see that. I'll merge them.

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Thanks Waspie! I've been mentally giving my 6th grade teacher the two finger salute for not allowing us outside to see the last fly-over. I don't remember which shuttle mission it was (though I could probably look it up if I was of a mind to), but the shuttle had to land at White Sands, NM (???) and then fly back to Florida. She was convinced it wouldn't be visible to the naked eye, so my class remained inside while the rest of the whole school went outside and saw it. I was determined to see something this time and I did!! :D

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I don't remember which shuttle mission it was (though I could probably look it up if I was of a mind to), but the shuttle had to land at White Sands, NM (???)

STS 3 back in March 1982 was the only mission to land at White Sands. Bad weather prevented Columbia from landing at Edwards AFB in California and they were not yet ready to attempt landings at Kennedy. Edited by Waspie_Dwarf
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Shuttle Carrier Aircraft and Space Shuttle Endeavour Land in Houston

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 04:46:30 PM GMT

NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) with space shuttle Endeavour mounted on top landed at Houston's Ellington Field at 10:40 a.m. CDT. Public viewing at Ellington has been extended to 9 p.m. CDT, since the aircraft will remain in Houston for one night rather than two.

The SCA and Endeavour, making the final ferry flight of NASA's Space Shuttle Program, are scheduled to land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Friday, Sept. 21. In cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration, the SCA is scheduled to conduct low-level flyovers at about 1,500 feet above locations along the planned flight path.

The aircraft will depart Houston at dawn on Thursday and make a fueling stop at Biggs Army Air Field in El Paso before proceeding to Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California. On Friday it will depart Dryden for a flyover of northern California and areas of the Los Angeles basin before landing at LAX between 11 a.m. and noon PDT. In October, Endeavour will move to the California Science Center to begin a new mission inspiring future explorers.

During the cross-country ferry flight, social media users are encouraged to share their Endeavour sightings using the hashtags #spottheshuttle and #OV105, Endeavour's vehicle designation.

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STS 3 back in March 1982 was the only mission to land at White Sands. Bad weather prevented Columbia from landing at Edwards AFB in California and they were not yet ready to attempt landings at Kennedy.

Thanks Waspie. I certainly didn't feel old counting that far back! :P lol

I had no idea, though, that only one mission landed at White Sands.

I should also add that if you click on either of the two pics I shared, you will have access to larger photos that show the jet and its passenger more clearly. As is, it looks pretty far away.

Edited by Lady Kasey
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Endeavour/SCA 'Go' for Takeoff from Houston

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 01:02:04 PM GMT

NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) with space shuttle Endeavour mounted on top are scheduled to take off from Houston's Ellington Field at 7 a.m. CDT Thursday morning to continue a cross-country ferry flight to California.

In cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration, the SCA is scheduled to conduct low-level flyovers at about 1,500 feet above locations along the planned flight path, including the Clear Lake area, NASA's Johnson Space Center and Houston. After departing the Houston area, the flight plan includes a low pass over the downtown Austin area near the Texas State Capitol building between 7:30-8 a.m. A fueling stop is planned at about 8:30 a.m. MDT in El Paso at Biggs Army Air Field.

Takeoff from Biggs is planned for about 11 a.m. The SCA and Endeavour will make low-level flybys of the White Sands Missile Range and NASA's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, as well as Tucson, Arizona en route to California. The flyover of Tucson will take place approximately an hour and 15 minutes after departure from Biggs. Arrival at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center on Edwards Air Force Base is scheduled for approximately noon PDT.

The exact timing and path of the ferry flight will depend on weather conditions and operational constraints. Some planned flyovers or stopovers could be delayed or canceled.

NASA Television will air live coverage of today's landing at Edwards Air Force Base and tomorrow's departure. During the cross-country ferry flight, social media users are encouraged to share their Endeavour sightings using the hashtags #spottheshuttle and #OV105, Endeavour's vehicle designation.

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SCA/Endeavour Land in El Paso

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 03:30:43 PM GMT

NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) with space shuttle Endeavour mounted on top landed at Biggs Army Air Field in El Paso, Texas, at 8:12 a.m. MDT, following its departure from Houston at 7:03 a.m. CDT.

Takeoff from Biggs is planned for about 11 a.m. MDT. The SCA and Endeavour will make low-level flybys of the White Sands Missile Range and NASA's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, as well as Tucson, Arizona en route to California. The flyover of Tucson will take place approximately an hour and 15 minutes after departure from Biggs.

Arrival at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center on Edwards Air Force Base is scheduled for approximately noon PDT. NASA Television will air live coverage of today's landing at Edwards Air Force Base and tomorrow's sunrise departure. NASA TV is available on the Web at www.nasa.gov.ntv

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Image above: Space shuttle Endeavour, secured atop the modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, flies over Reliant Stadium and the Astrodome during the flight from Kennedy to Houston. Photo credit: NASA

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Space Shuttle Endeavour Over Houston, Texas

Space Shuttle Endeavour is ferried by NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) over Houston, Texas on September 19, 2012. NASA pilots Jeff Moultrie and Bill Rieke are at the controls of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Photo taken by NASA photographer Sheri Locke in the backseat of a NASA T-38 chase plane with NASA pilot Thomas E. Parent at the controls.

Photo Credit: NASA/Sheri Locke

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SCA/Endeavour Ferry Flight Resumes

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 06:51:44 PM GMT

The cross-country ferry flight of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) and space shuttle Endeavour resumed with the 11 a.m. MDT departure from Biggs Army Air Field in El Paso, Texas. The SCA and Endeavour will make low-level flybys of the White Sands Missile Range and NASA's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, as well as Tucson, Arizona en route to California. The flyover of Tucson will take place at approximately 11:15 a.m. MST, about an hour and 15 minutes after takeoff.

These flyovers at 1,500 feet above locations along the flight path are made in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration. Arrival at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center on Edwards Air Force Base is scheduled for approximately 12:35 p.m. PDT. The exact timing and path of the ferry flight will depend on weather conditions and operational constraints. NASA Television will air live coverage of today's landing at Edwards Air Force Base and tomorrow's sunrise departure. NASA TV is available on the Web at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

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SCA/Endeavour Land at Edwards AFB

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 08:59:52 PM GMT

Space shuttle Endeavour has returned to California, its state of origin, 21 years after rolling out of the Palmdale assembly facility. At 3:50 p.m. EDT, Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), landed at Edwards Air Force Base. Following an overnight stay, the SCA and Endeavour will complete the ferry flight with a salute to the Edwards Air Force Base area early Friday and a low flyby northbound to Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. Next the aircraft will travel south, making a pass over NASA's Ames Research Center, Vandenberg Air Force Base and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory before heading into the Los Angeles area.

Finally, the SCA and Endeavour will land about noon PDT at Los Angeles International Airport, for an arrival ceremony before Endeavour is taken off the 747 and transported to its permanent home at the California Science Center next month.

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NASA Invites Californians to Participate in Endeavour Flyover

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 01:04:20 AM GMT

NASA invites Californians to participate in space shuttle Endeavour's historic flyover of the state Friday, Sept. 21.

The orbiter, atop its 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is scheduled to fly over northern California and a large area of the Los Angeles basin beginning at about 8:15 a.m. PDT, one hour later than originally planned. NASA, the California Science Center, and the Federal Aviation Administration delayed the start of the flight to increase the probability that fog over the San Francisco area will dissipate before the flyover.

At 8 a.m. PDT, NASA Television will air the departure of Endeavour from Edwards Air Force Base as it begins its California flyover: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

The SCA and Endeavour will salute NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center and the Edwards Air Force Base area after takeoff with a low flyby northbound to Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Any time after 9:30 a.m. PDT, watch for Endeavour from viewing locations that include the Bay Area Discovery Museum, Chabot Space and Science Center, the California State Capitol, Exploratorium, Lawrence Hall of Science and Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Next the aircraft will travel south, making a pass over NASA's Ames Research Center and Vandenberg Air Force Base before heading into the Los Angeles area.

Any time after 11:30 a.m., watch for flyovers of Endeavour passing landmarks such as the California Science Center, Columbia Memorial Space Center, Disneyland, The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles City Hall, the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, Malibu Beach, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Queen Mary, Universal Studios and Venice Beach. Endeavour will land about 12:45 p.m., at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) .

During the four-and-a-half hour flight, social media users are encouraged to share their Endeavour sightings using the hashtags #spottheshuttle and #OV105, Endeavour's vehicle designation.

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Endeavour Ferry Flight Given 'Go' for California Flyover

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 02:54:26 PM GMT

NASA Managers have given a "go" for the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, carrying space shuttle Endeavour, to depart Edwards Air Force Base and begin a four-and-a-half hour flyover of northern California and the Los Angeles basin.

Weather is forecast to be clear for the entire flight.

NASA Television will air live coverage of the departure at 8 a.m. PDT. Takeoff is planned for 8:15 a.m.

The SCA and Endeavour will salute NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center and the Edwards Air Force Base area after takeoff with a low flyby northbound to Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. Any time after 9:30 a.m. PDT, watch for Endeavour from viewing locations that include the Bay Area Discovery Museum, Chabot Space and Science Center, the California State Capitol, Exploratorium, Lawrence Hall of Science and Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Next the aircraft will travel south, making a pass over NASA's Ames Research Center and Vandenberg Air Force Base before heading into the Los Angeles area. Any time after 11:30 a.m., watch for flyovers of Endeavour passing regional landmarks such as its future home at the California Science Center, Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey, Disneyland, The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles City Hall, the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, Malibu Beach, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, the Queen Mary, Universal Studios and Venice Beach, among others.

Finally, the SCA and Endeavour will land about 12:45 p.m., at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for an arrival ceremony before Endeavour is taken off the 747. The orbiter will be transported to the California Science Center next month.

The exact timing and path of the ferry flight will depend on weather conditions and operational constraints. Some planned flyovers or stopovers could be delayed or canceled.

Social media users are encouraged to share their Endeavour sightings using the hashtags #spottheshuttle and #OV105, Endeavour's vehicle designation.

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Endeavour Ferry Flight Under Way at 8:17 a.m. PDT

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 04:41:30 PM GMT

NASA's 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, carrying space shuttle Endeavour, departed Edwards Air Force Base at 8:17 a.m. PDT to begin a four-and-a-half hour flyover of northern California and the Los Angeles basin.

The SCA and Endeavour will salute NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center and the Edwards Air Force Base area after takeoff with a low flyby northbound to Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. Any time after 9:30 a.m. PDT, watch for Endeavour from viewing locations that include the Bay Area Discovery Museum, Chabot Space and Science Center, the California State Capitol, Exploratorium, Lawrence Hall of Science and Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Next the aircraft will travel south, making a pass over NASA's Ames Research Center and Vandenberg Air Force Base before heading into the Los Angeles area. Any time after 11:30 a.m., watch for flyovers of Endeavour passing regional landmarks such as its future home at the California Science Center, Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey, Disneyland, The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles City Hall, the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, Malibu Beach, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, the Queen Mary, Universal Studios and Venice Beach, among others.

Finally, the SCA and Endeavour will land about 12:45 p.m., at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for an arrival ceremony before Endeavour is taken off the 747. The orbiter will be transported to the California Science Center next month.

The exact timing and path of the ferry flight will depend on weather conditions and operational constraints. Some planned flyovers or stopovers could be delayed or canceled.

Social media users are encouraged to share their Endeavour sightings using the hashtags #spottheshuttle and #OV105, Endeavour's vehicle designation.

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Image above: NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with the space shuttle Endeavour securely mounted on top touches down at Edwards Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA Dryden pilot Bill Brockett.

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Image above: NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft carrying space shuttle Endeavour soars over the high desert of Southern California following takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base Friday morning on the last "California Tour" leg of its ferry flight into history. Photo credit: NASA Dryden pilot Bill Brockett

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SCA/Endeavour Complete Ferry Flight at LAX

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 09:03:26 PM GMT

Space shuttle Endeavour, perched atop NASA’s 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft landed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 12:51 p.m. PDT, ending a cross-country ferry mission and returning to its place of birth, California.

Endeavour was NASA’s fifth and final space shuttle to be built. Construction began on Sept. 28, 1987 and it rolled out of the assembly plant in Palmdale, Calif. in April 1991. It was named after a ship chartered to traverse the South Pacific in 1768 and captained by 18th century explorer James Cook. Endeavour flew 25 times, traveling more than 122,000 miles and accumulating 299 days in space. Like shuttles Discovery, Enterprise and Atlantis, Endeavour is embarking on its next mission – to inspire the next generation of explorers and engineers at the California Science Center.

Tonight, Endeavour will be removed from the SCA using an elaborate set of cranes and wind restraints. It will be placed on a special transportation system and moved into a United Airlines hangar, where it will remain for several weeks while final preparations for its transport and display are completed.

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SCA/Endeavour Complete Ferry Flight at LAX

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 09:03:26 PM GMT

Space shuttle Endeavour, perched atop NASA’s 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft landed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 12:51 p.m. PDT Friday, ending a cross-country ferry mission and returning to its place of birth, California.

Endeavour was NASA’s fifth and final space shuttle to be built. Construction began on Sept. 28, 1987 and it rolled out of the assembly plant in Palmdale, Calif. in April 1991. It was named after a ship chartered to traverse the South Pacific in 1768 and captained by 18th century explorer James Cook. Endeavour flew 25 times, traveling more than 122,000 miles and accumulating 299 days in space. Like shuttles Discovery, Enterprise and Atlantis, Endeavour is embarking on its next mission – to inspire the next generation of explorers and engineers at the California Science Center.

Endeavour will be removed from the SCA using an elaborate set of cranes and wind restraints. It will be placed on a special transportation system and moved into a United Airlines hangar, where it will remain for several weeks while final preparations for its transport and display are completed.

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Image above: Space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) performs a low flyby past the tower at Los Angeles International Airport, Friday, Sept. 21, 2012. Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

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