The moment Space Shuttle Endeavor is flown over Los Angeles is a sight to behold
- The video shows the space shuttle going over the iconic Hollywood sign
- NASA built the space shuttle from spare parts
- It replaced the Challenger Space Shuttle, which was destroyed in 1986
Published on Apr 20, 2024 at 10:59 AM (UTC+4)
by Nalin Rawat
Last updated on Apr 22, 2024 at 5:40 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Siddharth Dudeja
This video of NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavor flying over Los Angeles is an extraordinary sight to behold.
You might remember seeing a similar aircraft in the movie, Superman Returns.
In the film, the caped hero saves the day by helping detach the space shuttle from the Boeing 747 aircraft in an escalating situation.
READ MORE: NASA’s new Dream Chaser spacecraft takes off like a rocket but lands gently on a runway
Unfortunately, this flight marked the final ferry ride for NASA’s Endeavor Space Shuttle.
Space Shuttle Endeavor concluded its final flight by landing in Los Angeles, California, on September 21, 2012.
The purpose of the flight was to deliver the shuttle to the California Science Center for a permanent exhibit.
The Endeavor Space Shuttle replaced the Challenger, which was destroyed in 1986.
NASA built the orbiter from spare parts left over from the construction of the Discovery and Atlantis space shuttles.
In the video, a modified Boeing 747 carries the Endeavor Space Shuttle as it flies past the iconic Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, California.
Unlike the movie, the Space Shuttle Endeavor never launched from atop the modified aircraft.
In fact, no space shuttle ever did.
The only time NASA did launch a space shuttle was during the testing phase.
However, it only wanted to test the shuttle’s ability to glide safely through the atmosphere to its landing site.
Since then, space travel has become relatively safe, so much so that even tourists can take a flight to space.
The Endeavour Space Shuttle completed 25 missions and spent 299 days in orbit.
It orbited Earth 4,671 times while traveling 122,883,151 miles and completed its last space voyage in June 2011.
The full video shows the space shuttle passing over the Malibu coastline, the Los Angeles Coliseum, the California Science Center, Dodger Stadium, Downtown Los Angeles, and finally, the Hollywood Sign.
While we may not see such an odd sight anytime soon, such videos make up for an interesting watch.
Nalin Rawat
Nalin started his career by working with various national newspapers in India. He has also worked as a writer/editor for many popular websites, while still pursuing his journalism and mass communication degree. Working as a digital nomad has allowed him to inform and educate through his work. When he is not writing, you can find him playing video games or travelling the mountains on his bike.
