Mission 26: The Big Endeavour

March 11 – September 2, 2013
Weingart Special Exhibits Gallery

Free Admission

Moving space shuttle Endeavour across the United States was a massive undertaking. Endeavour first flew on the back of a Boeing 747 from Cape Canaveral, Florida to Edwards Air Force Base in California, while making several stops along the way. After arrival, Endeavour honored many California landmarks as it flew over the State from Sacramento to Southern California while onlookers marveled at the sight all along the way. After landing at Los Angeles International Airport, the biggest adventure was yet to come, transporting Endeavour through the heart of urban Los Angeles to its new home at the California Science Center. At 78 feet wide, 57 feet high and 122 feet long—longer than two school buses—navigating the streets of Los Angeles and Inglewood required the guidance and skill of over 100 people. Police controlled traffic; engineers and technicians lifted power lines and took down traffic lights while approximately 1.5 million people lined the sidewalks to celebrate the event. Photographers and filmmakers were on hand to document this once-in-forever moment in history.

Mission 26: The Big Endeavour features over 80 photographs highlighting some of the spectacular scenes witnessed during space shuttle Endeavour's flight over California and her 12-mile, 68-hour journey through city streets to its final destination in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion at the California Science Center. A short video and contributions from local schoolchildren also invite guests to feel what it was like to be part of this festive, historic occasion.

---

Media sponsor: