Its final mission delivered a key component to the International Space Station.

The first crew rescued a communications satellite. From Spaceflight to Hollywood Starįrom STS-49 in May of 1992 until STS-134 in May 2011, Endeavour’s crews flew 122,883,151 miles, totaling 299 days in orbit. Additionally, the 1977 Approach and Landing Tests of the orbiter Enterprise took place north of Los Angeles at Edwards Air Force Base, a location that also served as a landing site for many shuttle missions. That community includes Rockwell International in nearby Palmdale where all of the Space Shuttle orbiters were built. “That journey was just the beginning of Endeavour’s enduring mission to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers and explorers.” “Everyone throughout California, Los Angeles and our local community came together to enthusiastically welcome home our national treasure,” he said. Photo credit: NASA/Jim GrossmannĬelebrating the 10th anniversary of Endeavour’s premiere, California Science Center President Jeffrey Rudolph reflected on the excitement associated with the Space Shuttle’s arrival. Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, center, uses a “T”-shaped tool to lock the Space Shuttle Endeavour’s hatch as United Space Alliance technicians Gary Hamilton, left, and Joe Walsh assist.

Space shuttle endeavour crew