I Spent the Day Following the Space Shuttle in the Streets of Los Angeles

In a complicated time, this is one of those days I'm very grateful for. Alongside a huge group of giddy residents, I walked alongside the retired space shuttle Endeavour as it was being transported from the Los Angeles International Airport to its new home at the California Science Center. The move is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. No doubt, more space vehicles will be retired one day, but there will never again be another space shuttle moved through the streets of L.A. Here are some photos (and a video) I took today:

Space Shuttle Endeavour on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Cruisin' the streets...

Part of the 160-wheeled, remote control operated Self-Propelled Modular Trailer

Detail of thermal tiles on Space Shuttle Endeavour's wingtip

News helicopters were in the sky all day long, covering this event.

Thermal tiles and the Reaction Control System (RCS) on Endeavour's nose

Several times during the move, the Shuttle had to be carefully squeezed past poles and trees.

Kudos to LA DOT... Crews worked quickly to reinstall traffic lights after Endeavour crossed each intersection.

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That inflatable space shuttle hat is pretty awesome!

Endeavour's wing and body detail

Luke Wilson filmed "Satellite Beach" during the Space Shuttle move through L.A.

Endeavour with the L.A. Coliseum in the background

Space Shuttle Endeavour press conference outside the California Science Center

L.A.'s Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa speaking to the media

Front view of the space shuttle near the California Science Center

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"I Spent the Day Following the Space Shuttle in the Streets of Los Angeles"

Written by: Justin Kilmer

First published in 2012, updated in 2026

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