Space

Few moments were more iconic than a NASA space shuttle soaring over the Golden Gate Bridge on a 747

Published on Jun 26, 2025 at 9:24 PM (UTC+4)
by Grace Donohoe

Last updated on Jun 25, 2025 at 5:19 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Emma Matthews

There are few more iconic NASA moments than the space shuttle Endeavour flying over the Golden Gate Bridge on the back of a 747 on its farewell journey.

It was all part of the space shuttle Endeavour’s last journey before retirement, having completed 25 missions.

That final journey saw the shuttle soar over many iconic Californian monuments.

The footage is set to take your breath away.

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This space shuttle moment was iconic

NASA’s space shuttle Endeavour took its final flight over 10 years ago after a successful life helping to explore way beyond the clouds.

The shuttle, Endeavour, ‘was the fifth Space Shuttle NASA built, and the last. It was slightly lighter than earlier shuttles, but it flew the same’, as the space agency has learned some hard lessons from earlier craft.

Few moments were more iconic than a NASA space shuttle soaring over the Golden Gate Bridge on a 747
NASA

And, on September 21st, 2012, it took a final flight over an iconic landmark – the Golden Gate Bridge.

The suspension bridge is located in San Francisco, California, and the flyover really was a unique sight, with aviation fans excited at the journey.

Endeavour was seen on the back of a specially modified Boeing 747, giving the space shuttle a piggyback ride.

And it created an absolutely iconic NASA moment.

Few moments were more iconic than a NASA space shuttle soaring over the Golden Gate Bridge on a 747
By NASA – Wikimedia Commons

During that farewell tour, Endeavour also took in Disneyland, Dodger Stadium and the Hollywood sign, saying goodbye to the state in true style.

Endeavour completed a mighty 25 missions during its lifetime, including helping to maintain another iconic piece of NASA hardware – the Hubble telescope.

NASA is the top dog of space exploration

From launching telescopes, to space shuttles, and even developing planes.

For example, NASA even simulated a dramatic ocean rescue in Florida for the Artemis crew in case of emergencies.

Plus, NASA’s Perseverance Rover managed to take a ‘classic’ selfie on Mars with a rather unexpected guest.

The company has certainly experienced lots of highs, and you can catch the iconic space shuttle moment below.

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Grace started her career writing about the weird and wonderful for the international press. She's covered everything from lifestyle to sports and hard news and now finds herself pursuing her main interest - cars. She's loved cars from a young age and has a keen interest in luxury travel too.