Endeavour Shuttle Makes Final Trip Before Retirement (PICTURES)

The Nasa shuttle Endeavour made a final, dramatic flyover across California on Friday giving Americans a chance to wave it goodbye before it was officially put into retirement.

The shuttle, which follows the Discovery in being retired this year, flew from the Edwards Air Force Base, before heading over famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hollywood sign on its way to the California Science Center, where it will spend the rest of its days on display.

Hundreds came out onto the street to watch as the shuttle, piggy-backing a Boeing 747, flew over for the last time.

endeavour last flight

The Endeavour flies over San Francisco before its official retirement

Made in 1986 to replace the Challenger shuttle, the Endeavour, one of five made, has racked up more than 100 million miles on its 25 missions.

America has ended its shuttle program and, after retiring the Discovery, only has the Atlantis left to shut down.

endeavour

The shuttle passes over the Hollywood sign on its final flight

The Discovery now sits at the Smithsonian Institute in Virginia, while the Atlantis is set to remain in Florida.

The shuttle will become a permanent exhibit at the Kennedy Space Centre.

To see the best of the photos from the shuttle's final flight, click through the slideshow below...

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Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space Shuttle Endeavour arrives in L.A. over Santa Monica beach atop a NASA transport plane on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space Shuttle Endeavour arrives in L.A. over Santa Monica beach atop a NASA transport plane on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavor
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, lands at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. Photo by Jeff Gritchen-Pool/Getty Images)
US-SPACE-SHUTTLE-ENDEAVOUR
Space Shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747, flies over the Hollywood Sign in Hollywood, California on its final flight, on September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Science Center. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: The space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, lands at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle program era. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: The space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, lands at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle program era. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavor
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, lands at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. Photo by Jeff Gritchen-Pool/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: The space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, lands at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle program era. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: The space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, lands at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space Shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), makes its final approach before landing at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
US-SPACE-SHUTTLE-ENDEAVOUR
The Space Shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747, flies near the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles on its final flight, September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Science Center.AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages)
US-SPACE-SHUTTLE-ENDEAVOUR
The Space Shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747, flies near the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles on its final flight, September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Science Center.AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: The space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, lands at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Flies Over Disneyland in California
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: In this handout photo provided by Disney Parks, en route to its new home at the California Science Center, the space shuttle Endeavor flies over Disney California Adventure park on September 21, 2012 in Anaheim, California. Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), departed from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 and flew over a number of U.S. landmarks, including the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. (Photo by Kevin Bohn/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space Shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), performs a flyover before landing at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, lands at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian-Pool/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Makes Pass Over Bay Area Before Final Landing In LA
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) The space shuttle Endeavour makes a pass over San Francisco before making its final landing in Los Angeles on September 21, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR
A rider waits to watch The Space Shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747,as it was flying over Griffith Park in Los Angeles on its final flight, September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Space Center. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA flies past Santa Monica Pier on September 21, 2012 in Santa Monica, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA flies over Palisades Park on September 21, 2012 in Santa Monica, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR
The Space Shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747, flies near the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles on its final flight, September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Space Center.AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA flies over Palidades Park on September 21, 2012 in Santa Monica, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA flies over Palidades Park on September 21, 2012 in Santa Monica, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR
A rider waits to watch US space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747,as it was flying over Griffith Park in Los Angeles on its final flight, September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Space Center.AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages)
space shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: The space shuttle Endeavour, on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, flies over the Griffith Park Obervatory on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour did a 4-1/2 hour tour over California landmarks before heading to Los Angeles International Airport where it will be prepared to be moved to its new permanent home at the California Science Center in downtown Los Angeles. The shuttle will be on public display starting October 30. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, lands at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR
The US space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747, flies over downtown in Los Angeles on its final flight, September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Space Center.AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages)
US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR
The US space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747, flies over downtown in Los Angeles on its final flight, September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Space Center.AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, lands at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR
The US space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747, flies near the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles on its final flight, September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Space Center. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages)
US-SPACE-SHUTTLE-ENDEAVOUR
The Space Shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747, flies near the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles on its final flight, September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Space Center. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages)
US-SPACE-SHUTTLE-ENDEAVOUR
The Space Shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747, flies over downtown in Los Angeles on its final flight, September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Space Center. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages)
US-SPACE-SHUTTLE-ENDEAVOUR
The Space Shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747, flies near the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles on its final flight, September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Space Center. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages)
US-SPACE-SHUTTLE-ENDEAVOUR
The Space Shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747, flies near the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles on its final flight, September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Space Center. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages)
US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR
The Space Shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747, flies near the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles on its final flight, September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Space Center.AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: In this photo provided by NASA, The space shuttle Endeavour, atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, lands at Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2012 in Los Angeles where it will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. Today's flight marks the final scheduled ferry flight of the Space Shuttle Program. (Photo by NASA/Matt Hedges via Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Flies Over Disneyland in California
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: In this handout photo provided by Disney Parks, en route to its new home at the California Science Center, the space shuttle Endeavor flies over Disney California Adventure park on September 21, 2012 in Anaheim, California. Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), departed from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 and flew over a number of U.S. landmarks, including the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. (Photo by Paul Hiffmeyer/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Flies Over Disneyland in California
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: In this handout photo provided by Disney Parks, en route to its new home at the California Science Center, the space shuttle Endeavor flies over Disney California Adventure park on September 21, 2012 in Anaheim, California. Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), departed from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 and flew over a number of U.S. landmarks, including the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. (Photo by Paul Hiffmeyer/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Flies Over Disneyland in California
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: In this handout photo provided by Disney Parks, en route to its new home at the California Science Center, the space shuttle Endeavor flies over Disney California Adventure park on September 21, 2012 in Anaheim, California. Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), departed from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 and flew over a number of U.S. landmarks, including the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. (Photo by Kevin Bohn/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Flies Over Disneyland in California
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: In this handout photo provided by Disney Parks, en route to its new home at the California Science Center, the space shuttle Endeavor flies over Disney California Adventure park on September 21, 2012 in Anaheim, California. Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), departed from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 and flew over a number of U.S. landmarks, including the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. (Photo by Paul Hiffmeyer/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Flies Over Disneyland in California
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: In this handout photo provided by Disney Parks, en route to its new home at the California Science Center, the space shuttle Endeavor flies over Disney California Adventure park on September 21, 2012 in Anaheim, California. Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), departed from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 and flew over a number of U.S. landmarks, including the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. (Photo by Kevin Bohn/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space Shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), enters the Los Angeles airspace as it flys behind the air control traffic tower of Los Angeles International Airport before landing on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space Shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), performs a flyover before landing at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space Shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), makes its final approach before landing at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Space shuttle Endeavour, sitting on top of NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, lands at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Flies Over Disneyland in California
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: In this handout photo provided by Disney Parks, en route to its new home at the California Science Center, the space shuttle Endeavor flies over Disney California Adventure park on September 21, 2012 in Anaheim, California. Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), departed from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 and flew over a number of U.S. landmarks, including the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. (Photo by Kevin Bohn/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR
The Space Shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified Boeing 747, flies near the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles on its final flight, September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle is spending it's last day in the air on a 5-hour flyover before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, where it will stay for a few weeks before taking a slow-speed land journey across town through neighborhoods to its final museum home, the California Space Center.AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: In this photo provided by NASA, The space shuttle Endeavour, atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, lands at Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2012 in Los Angeles where it will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. Today's flight marks the final scheduled ferry flight of the Space Shuttle Program. (Photo by NASA/Joel Kowsky via Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: In this photo provided by NASA, The space shuttle Endeavour, atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, lands at Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2012 in Los Angeles where it will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. The shadow of a NASA F-18 chase jet wing is shown in the foreground. Today's flight marks the final scheduled ferry flight of the Space Shuttle Program. (Photo by NASA/Bill Ingalls via Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Spectators wait to see the Space Shuttle Endeavor fly over the Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles. The Shuttle is on the last leg of its U.S. tour. (Photo by Michal Czerwonka/Getty Images)
Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Spectators wait to see the Space Shuttle Endeavor fly over the Los Angeles International Airport on September 21, 2012 in Los Angeles. The Shuttle is on the last leg of its U.S. tour. (Photo by Michal Czerwonka/Getty Images)

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DB34

13 Fans

10:28 AM on 09/23/2012

AWESOME.WHY CANT WE CARRY ON WITH THE SPACE PROGRAM.ITS BETTER THAN WASTING CASH ON GOVERNMENT CRAP..LETS BUILD ANOTHER SPACE SHUTTLE,BUT LETS BUILD IT EVEN BETTER..

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realworldnews

35 Fans

10:20 AM on 09/23/2012

Sad to see these great ships going into retirement. They were essential to the construction of the International Space Station from which much has been learned on how to build large structures in orbit. One day we may see that knowledge used to construct a large spaceship.

Fortunately for the future of space exploration the US government, after years of neglect, will gradually hand over to private enterprise. SpaceX, Orbital Sciences, Sierra Nevada Corp., along with Masten Space, Armadillo, Blue Origin and many more are all rapidly developing a range of rockets and ships. SpaceX in particular is working on man-rating for its Dragon seven-seater capsule and others will follow. The firm is also developing the Falcon Heavy rocket that can loft more than twice the weight the shuttle could carry.

Once you get government out of the way all things become possible.

eggnchips

30 Fans

10:04 AM on 09/23/2012

I was fortunate to see a Shuttle launch. It was a truly amazing, and unforgettable experience. Best desrcibed as "AWESOME"

janelleriley

2 Fans

09:37 AM on 09/23/2012

Wow! Thats actually quite moving, its been into space and seen our wonderful earth from that vantage point, and will never make that journey again. What a fantastic and fitting tribute for an amazing invention - thats managed to rack up 100 million miles - to be flown on top of another brilliant invention - the jumbo jet. Fab.

trevar

7 Fans

07:48 AM on 09/23/2012

history in the making, just like concorde, Newtons laws will still be a majour part of any rocket lanch and he was English.

HUFFPOST SUPER USER

wakyracir

My spaniel is watching you

95 Fans

02:39 AM on 09/23/2012

Any of today's youngsters who want a career in space exploration better learn to speak Chinese I suppose.

10:23 AM on 09/23/2012

How many Brit youngsters do you suppose will be allowed to join China's military-controlled space program?

06:20 PM on 09/23/2012

Approximately none. Perhaps there may be a chance with the Irish space program if they ever find a milk bottle big enough to put the rocket in.

tonzer55

21 Fans

02:23 AM on 09/23/2012

I didn't need a space shuttle to teach me about space. Professor Brian Cox explained a hell of a lot to me through his progarammes. It's a flying machine ffs. Get over it.

Brunel1859

17 Fans

07:56 AM on 09/23/2012

.............and how do you think Brian Cox learnt what he knows? He is an incredibly intelligent bloke, lets not underestimate that, he's way out of my league, but he seems to me to have the humility to admit that he stands on the shoulders of giants in his teachings. I'm sure he's added something to science somewhere down the line, but he isn't the discoverer of every fact he knows. He often refers to the great discoverers and explorers and recognises their great contributions to his own understanding of science.

So whilst we don't underestimate Brian Cox's intelligence and cerebral capacity, we shouldn't underestimate what the shuttle programme did for science and space exploration. Have you ever heard Brian Cox talk about the Hubble telescope, the incredible images it has produced and the understanding scientists have gained from them? How do you think that got up there? Then there is the international space station that the shuttle played a role in.

So in fact, your statement contradicts itself, you did need a shuttle to teach you about space, because Brian Cox needed it to teach him.

Very poor, flippant remark that, that disparages and undervalues the work carried out by many people over the last 30yrs or so, very dangerous work where some of them lost their lives in doing it.............just so Brian Cox could teach you about space.

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Martin T Hall

1 Fans

04:04 PM on 09/23/2012

Poor attitude to the end of an amazing spacecraft tonzer55, unimpressed you are, unimaginative you most certainly are too!
That wasn't just American technology that flew that kite, there were a number of contributing nations in the background, even so `Long Live Nasa' and lets have some more adventures. I have had my eyes and ears on e space exploration since Sputnik 1 so long may it continue!

11:47 PM on 09/23/2012

What are you on about? Kite? What's the matter with you?

Chris1000

16 Fans

10:45 PM on 09/22/2012

Awesome piece of kit, that combination.

Stuart K Seels

45 Fans

09:55 PM on 09/22/2012

Goodnight bright star. Your story was one of inspiration, it's now time to illuminate our future in your grand retirement.

Dalek1

31 Fans

09:07 PM on 09/22/2012

Such a sad set of pictures, watching a lot of hopes for space exploration pass into history. Now the big corporations have the torch it'll be dropped for a quick buck from space tourists.

Flappergirl30s

07:26 PM on 09/22/2012

What a sight to see.
I think i would have been in tears if i saw that flying past me.

Reality always bites

Sometimes just a bit peckish

234 Fans

05:08 PM on 09/22/2012

With a bit of luck that 747 will give birth in about 18 months time to lots of heat resistant baby shuttles and Sir Richard Branson will become the stepfather.
If not at least Endeavour went out with a bang!

Eraserx

14 Fans

04:29 PM on 09/22/2012

The photos make me sad, it's as though the craft represents the pinnacle of American achievement and is now being shipped off to retirement, that somehow our innovation period is over and the likes of the space shuttle will never be built here again.

cadcamcreations

20 Fans

10:25 PM on 09/22/2012

Yes very sad and it looks like America is following Britain, Conquered the world, first for innovation and then withering very slowly to become a debt ridden third world country.

Alexander Hargreaves

04:22 PM on 09/22/2012

Wow, that photo really sums up human achievement.

matjtee

3 Fans

10:22 AM on 09/23/2012

It certainly does: with a resounding 'that's all folks'.

mrs w waugh

Hail Caesar We Who Are About To Die Salute You

2310 Fans

03:56 PM on 09/22/2012

Have a good retirement Endeavor.............

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Endeavour Shuttle Makes Final Trip Before Retirement (PICTURES)

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavor

US-SPACE-SHUTTLE-ENDEAVOUR

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavor

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

US-SPACE-SHUTTLE-ENDEAVOUR

US-SPACE-SHUTTLE-ENDEAVOUR

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Flies Over Disneyland in California

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Makes Pass Over Bay Area Before Final Landing In LA

US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR

space shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR

US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR

US-SPACE-SHUTTLE-ENDEAVOUR

US-SPACE-SHUTTLE-ENDEAVOUR

US-SPACE-SHUTTLE-ENDEAVOUR

US-SPACE-SHUTTLE-ENDEAVOUR

US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Flies Over Disneyland in California

Space Shuttle Endeavour Flies Over Disneyland in California

Space Shuttle Endeavour Flies Over Disneyland in California

Space Shuttle Endeavour Flies Over Disneyland in California

Space Shuttle Endeavour Flies Over Disneyland in California

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Flies Over Disneyland in California

US - SPACE - SHUTTLE - ENDEAVOUR

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane

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