Mission 26: The Big Endeavour
Space Shuttle Endeavour arrives at the Science Center in
-24 day!
Watch Endeavour Move!
Watch Endeavour’s journey in real time on Google+, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for frequent updates.
Remember: the best place to view the shuttle up close is at the California Science Center starting October 30 with the opening of the Samuel Oschin Pavilion.
Social media users are encouraged to share their Endeavour sightings using the
hashtags #spottheshuttle and #OV105, Endeavour's orbiter vehicle designation.
Coming to an intersection near you!
Space Shuttle Endeavour will be on the move October 12 and 13, as Mission 26: The Big Endeavour continues. Local officials anticipate a large number of spectators will gather to view Endeavour on its two-day journey through public city streets, from LAX to its new home at the California Science Center.
To ensure the safe transport of this national treasure, and for public safety, some segments of the route will be highly restricted. However, the public will be able to view Endeavour at many intersections and on wider thoroughfares. Streets and sidewalks in the area will have rolling closures to vehicle and pedestrian traffic during the transport of Endeavour.
Check the route description and map below to find information on the best spots to view Endeavour as it travels across Los Angeles and Inglewood.
Endeavour's Turn-by-Turn Directions
Friday, October 12
- LAX United/Continental Hangar to Northside access road security gate
- Exit security gate and travel east on Northside Parkway to Lincoln Boulevard
- Cross Lincoln Boulevard onto McConnell Avenue
- Turn right onto Westchester Parkway to La Tijera Boulevard
- Turn left onto La Tijera Boulevard
- Drollinger Parking Lot
Endeavour will be parked near the intersection of La Tijera Ave. and Sepulveda Eastway from approximately 4 a.m. to 2 p.m., affording an opportunity for informal viewing. This is not an official viewing location and parking will not be available.
- Continue on La Tijera to Manchester Avenue
- Turn right onto Manchester Avenue
Saturday, October 13
- Continue on Manchester Avenue to Crenshaw Drive
- Viewing Location: Mission 26 Launch at The Forum
Endeavour will stop at the Forum in Inglewood for a morning celebration in the arena’s parking lot, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Venue organizers estimate that 10,000 to 14,000 spectators can be accommodated. Free public parking is available at nearby Hollywood Park Race Track starting at 4 a.m. No overnight camping is permitted (3900 West Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood CA 90301).
- Turn left onto Crenshaw Drive to Crenshaw Boulevard
- Continue on Crenshaw Boulevard to Martin Luther King Boulevard
- Viewing Location: Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza (Crenshaw and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvds.)
Endeavour is expected to arrive at the intersection of Crenshaw and MLK between 1p.m. and 2 p.m. for a brief program and celebratory performance produced by actor-choreographer Debbie Allen. There is a dedicated area for the public to stand and view the stage, north of the intersection of Crenshaw Blvd. and MLK. Space is limited so come early.
- Turn right on King to Bill Robertson Lane
- Turn left on Bill Robertson Lane into Exposition Park
- Viewing Location: Exposition Park
Endeavour is expected to enter Exposition Park on Bill Robertson Lane between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. to reach its final destination, the California Science Center’s Samuel Oschin Pavilion, before midnight. Parking lots between Bill Robertson Lane and Vermont Ave. will provide space for spectators to gather. The lots for viewing will open at 5:30 p.m. and can only be accessed from Vermont Ave. at 39th Street. Mass transit is recommended and available via the Expo Rail and bus line running along Exposition Blvd. Limited parking will be available at the California Science Center’s parking structure (enter at 39th and Figueroa Streets) for $15.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Please be respectful to the home and business owners in these areas and of all private property.
- Be advised that all times provided above are approximate and are subject to change. Endeavour’s journey to specific locations may be accelerated or delayed due to conditions along the route.
- If you plan to go to any of these locations, we urge the public to arrive early, be prepared to stand long hours, and remember to bring water, snacks, sun block, hats and chairs.
- We strongly encourage you to take public transportation when possible.
The Samuel Oschin Pavilion, the temporary home of Space Shuttle Endeavour, will open on October 30, 2012. Visit our ticket information page for details on how to get timed tickets to see Endeavour on display in the Pavilion. Due to anticipated demand, we strongly encourage advance reservations to ensure entrance. Stay up-to-date on Endeavour news by following us on Facebook or Twitter.
The Tundra Endeavour Tweet Drive
Participate in the Toyota Tweet Drive campaign by clicking below to send a tweet that will raise money for Endeavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Endeavour going to be moved from LAX to the Science Center in one piece?
Yes, we want Endeavour to be as close as possible to its post-flight condition immediately following touchdown from its last mission. Removing either the wings or the tail would destroy the protective tiles on the vehicle as these are very fragile. Even if the tiles could be removed and replaced, NASA cannot safely separate and reattach the wings or the tail without the infrastructure that is provided in the orbiter processing facility, meaning that the vehicle could not be reassembled if it were taken apart.
How did you choose the route Endeavour will travel?
This will mark the first and only time a space shuttle will travel through 12 miles of public urban streets. It’s also one of the biggest objects ever transported down an urban corridor, with a 78 foot wing span and a height of 58 feet at the tip of its tail. A large team—the California Science Center, the cities of LA and Inglewood, logistics, tree and utility and engineering experts—have spent hundreds of hours preparing for Endeavour’s complex journey.
To make way for the Endeavour, we picked routes through the cities that would have the least impact on surroundings and we’ll be using a state-of-the art Endeavour Transportation System that will allow us to maneuver precisely around trees, light poles and utility poles wherever possible. Pruning is also another tool being utilized in this effort. Thousands of trees along the route are being preserved and protected as a result of this careful planning.
How are you replacing the trees that had to be removed?
The California Science Center Foundation is investing approximately $2 million to replace 400 trees removed along the route with over 1,000 trees. These replacement trees are between 10 and 14 feet in height – about the same size as most of the trees they will be removing. A minimum of two years of free maintenance will also be provided. Within five years the community along route will have an even greener and more beautiful tree canopy.
