Endeavour’s Historic Journey Captured by NASA
NASA photographers are reflecting on the agency’s iconic space shuttle Endeavour as a new exhibit opens featuring the shuttle at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The exhibit showcases images captured during Endeavour’s final mission on September 21, 2012, when it was transported atop NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft over the Golden Gate Bridge, marking a significant moment witnessed by millions.
Endeavour is now displayed upright in launch position at the California Science Center, ready to inspire future generations of space enthusiasts. The exhibition officially reopened on November 13.
Behind the Lens of a Historic Flight
Lori Losey, who served as the lead videographer at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, described the experience of documenting Endeavour’s last ferry flight as a highlight of her 37-year career with NASA. She was instrumental in advocating for the use of two chase aircraft to optimize the capture of both photographs and videos during the flight. “It was this beautiful dance of alternating altitudes and swapping positions between landmarks to maximize both of us capturing the legendary imagery,” she said.
The planning involved significant collaboration among NASA’s pilots, who mapped out a route that would take Endeavour over some of California’s most notable landmarks. The imagery team worked to decide the best locations for capturing stunning photographs of the shuttle.
Community Enthusiasm During the Flyover
The flyover offered a rare spectacle to thousands of visitors at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks, where the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft passed at a low altitude. Jim Ross, the lead photographer for NASA Armstrong, remarked on the joy of witnessing the excitement from people on the ground as the aircraft flew over key sites. He noted that the Los Angeles community showed strong support, gathering at places like Griffith Park and Disneyland to witness the flyover.
Another photographer, Carla Thomas, expressed her pride in capturing the moment as crowds gathered at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Having joined NASA after the Challenger disaster, she reflected on the significance of documenting this monumental return to flight.
Meticulous Planning for a Successful Mission
Endeavour’s flight was accompanied by NASA Armstrong’s F/A-18s and an F-15, which transported the photo and video teams. The extensive preflight planning involved coordination with various organizations, including the California Science Center, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Los Angeles International Airport.
Thomas highlighted the planning phase as a particularly enjoyable aspect of the project, stating, “It was fun and exciting to plan the shots.” She flew the route in a Los Angeles Police Department helicopter to identify potential obstacles, noting the challenges posed by the Hollywood sign’s location on a hillside with nearby power lines.
Celebrating Endeavour’s Legacy
The flight path of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft included several iconic California landmarks such as Dodger Stadium, the Getty Center, and the Santa Monica Pier. Endeavour played a critical role in the assembly of the International Space Station by delivering its first components into orbit and completed a total of 25 missions throughout its service.
Following its arrival in Los Angeles, Endeavour was carefully transported to the California Science Center, where it will be permanently displayed alongside images from its final flight.
Source: NASA
