Mission 26 – The Big Endeavour Flyover NR12430rl

UPDATE: Important updates to earlier News Release

Note change of Los Angeles flyover time from 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.
Updated information on first African American Astronaut to fly in space was aboard the Endeavour
More than 700 LAPD Cadets will be assisting LAPD Officers in securing the shuttle route

Los Angeles:  The Space Shuttle Endeavor will make its final historic flight over the City of Los Angeles
and several local landmarks, prior to landing at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21st.  Endeavor will be attached to a NASA Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft as it conducts low flying maneuvers around the City of Los Angeles.

On September 21, 2012, Endeavor will pass over key points of interest in Los Angeles.

“Endeavour’s flight over Los Angeles’ most picturesque landmarks will be a sight to inspire Angelenos for generations,” Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said.  “Witnessing the shuttle’s final voyage above the Griffith Observatory, the California Science Center and our historic City Hall will be a sight to behold. I am proud to welcome this world-class landmark to its new home in the City of Angels.”

Around 10:30 a.m. or shortly after, the public is encouraged to watch for flyovers of Endeavor in the Los Angeles area.  The public will likely have an opportunity to see Endeavour passing regional landmarks such as, its future home at the California Science Center, Disneyland, the Getty Center, the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles City Hall, the Aquarium of the Pacific, Malibu Beach, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, the Queen Mary, Universal Studios, and Venice Beach among others.

Those interested in viewing the shuttle are asked to plan ahead and find a safe viewing location during the intended fly over.  It is recommended that the public contact individual locations for viewing information.  Times for flyovers are flexible, pending weather conditions and operational constraints.

California Science Center Foundation President Jeffrey Rudolph noted, “It’s great that the people of California will be able to see this remarkable site.  It has great potential to inspire the next generation of explores and innovators.  We encourage everyone to see it at the Science Center when it reaches its final destination here at the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion.”

This is an impressive sight that has the potential for distracting drivers and pedestrians.  We want to impress upon the public to remain focused while driving and follow the rules of the road.  Law enforcement and transportation officials want to remind motorists and visitors not to stop on the roads or highways in order to view or take photograph of the shuttle fly over.  These actions can contribute to traffic congestion and accidents.