SoCal gets a Space Shuttle, and a parade!

[Moonliner]

From Space.com - Endeavour to get mother of all parades (http://www.space.com/13282-space-shuttle-endeavour-retirement-california-parade.html).


Mother of all parades

Just as it did when it landed in California after seven of its 25 space missions, only in reverse, Endeavour will make its final cross country trip from Kennedy Space Center to Los Angeles atop a modified Boeing 747 airliner.

Once on the ground at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the shuttle will hit the road for the science center.

"It is going to circle [flying above] the L.A. area three times and then we're going to have a parade. The mother of all parades!" Villaraigosa announced. "People will be lining up the street from LAX through the great city of Inglewood, down Martin Luther King Boulevard — it is going to be a sight to be seen."

At 122 feet (38 meters) long and with a wingspan of 78 feet (24 meters), the shuttle is a much wider load than usual Los Angeles traffic. The city and neighboring Inglewood will need to remove and replace street signs, traffic lights, trees and other obstacles along Endeavour's way. Even then, the 13 miles between the airport and CSC will still be a slow roll using a NASA-furnished "overland transporter" — a wheeled-trailer — for the road trip.

"It is going to be amazing watching this space shuttle inch its way through the streets, going instead of 17,500 miles an hour [like when it was in orbit], maybe 1 mile per hour," Mike Fincke, an astronaut on Endeavour's STS-134 final flight crew, told collectSPACE during a press conference at the science center. "It's going to be a really motivating day, I think, for all us to watch the space shuttle inch its way here."

"It's going to be like the Pied Piper leading the kids," Fincke added. "There are going to be so many people coming and getting inspired. I'm really enthused about it. I think the team here has done a lot of homework. They've got a lot of work to go but I think they are going to pull it off brilliantly."


I think it would be cool to see the old girl riding bareback on her 747 one last time.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Oh man, I will definitely be keeping an eye out for when that happens.

[innerSpaceman]

I hope it's a day I can attend. I live really close to LAX and would love to see this!

[CoasterMatt]

I'm thinkin' of all kinds of cool photo ops- Space Shuttle next to McDonalds, in front of a gas station...

[BarTopDancer]

I'm thinkin' of all kinds of cool photo ops- Space Shuttle next to McDonalds, in front of a gas station...

http://www.marketingshift.com/images/mshift/space-shuttle.jpg

[lindyhop]

I definitely want to see this. It reminds me of when I was in elementary school in Downey and we would see rockets being trucked out of the North American plant on a regular basis.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Cool!

[Not Afraid]

through the great city of Inglewood

I can't wait.

[RStar]

Wow, sounds like a serious operation!

[Betty]

So they're going to cut down all the trees and remove all the stop lights and signs? Wow. Are there any old trees in the way that will be removed. Be a shame.

[JWBear]

So they're going to cut down all the trees and remove all the stop lights and signs? Wow. Are there any old trees in the way that will be removed. Be a shame.

Yeah... That one bothered me too.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I'd be surprised if they actually removed all obstacles like trees and light posts and stoplights. Not sure but that sounds really drastic, and not something cities would spend money on at this point.

Maybe modify the Shuttle so the wings fold up a little?

[Betty]

You'd think that but that's what the article said. The space shuttle is more important I guess.

[Alex]

Out of curiosity, who is paying for that?

I know it is unsentimental of me (and irrelevant since it doesn't touch on me in any way), but it seems to me they should just cut it into pieces and rebuild it on site.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Yeah, that's what went through my head, too, that moving all that stuff is going to be *expensive*.

[Moonliner]

Out of curiosity, who is paying for that?


Just a guess, but I'd expect the funds would come from the California Science Center (http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/) which is actively seeking donations from the public (http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/Exhibits/AirAndSpace/endeavour/endeavour.php) to help offset the cost of bringing the shuttle to California.

[Moonliner]

It's getting closer! Endeavour departs Florida Monday at about 7 a.m.

And it true California style, towing Space Shuttle Endeavour through the streets of LA has been turned into a commercial. (http://www.space.com/17613-space-shuttle-endeavour-toyota-tundra-parade.html)


Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. announced on Wednesday (Sept. 12) that its Tundra full-size pickup truck is slated to tow Endeavour during its delivery to the California Science Center (CSC)


Do try and get out to see it flyover if you have any chance at all. It's a great sight to see. (ahh, but note it's not coming straight to LA (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0908-shuttle-flyover-20120908,0,786399.story))

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Parade is either on Oct 12 or 13. We are so there, somehow.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Notes being made. I want to see this.

[BarTopDancer]

I hope it's the 13th. The 12th is Opening Day. Unless there is a lockout. I suppose I should put in for the 12th as a day off. Just in case.

[Betty]

And they had to cut down tons of trees to get it through the streets.

[Alex]

Still say they should have just chopped it up and FedExed it.

[Kevy Baby]

And they had to cut down tons of trees to get it through the streets.And they are planting two trees for every one they cut down.

[Alex]

When I murder children I calm the mothers by promising to impregnate them twice.


(That is really apropos of nothing, it just popped into my head and I haven't put the filter on yet. Also, since I've had a vasectomy the jokes on them when they say "oh, well then ok.")

[lindyhop]

I'm taking the 12th off. And I'm hoping they buzz OC before landing at LAX on Thursday.

[Kevy Baby]

There has been talk of a fly-over of Disneyland, but so far not confirmed (that I've seen).

ETA:
 On the morning of Sept. 20, the plane will conduct low-level flyovers of NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field near San Jose, and yet-to-be-specified landmarks in San Francisco, Sacramento and perhaps other California cities before a low-level flyover of Los Angeles.

The plane is expected to land at Los Angeles International Airport at about 11 a.m. Pacific time.From this LA Times article (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/09/shuttle-endeavour-florida-los-angeles.html)

[€uroMeinke]

Delayed a day - kinda hoping it gets delayed another day so I can see it land at LAX - Encounters would be the perfect viewing spot.

[Kevy Baby]

Delayed a day...Two days actually (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/09/space-shuttle-endeavours-departure-delayed-another-day.html)Endeavour was supposed to leave NASA's Kennedy Space Center for Houston early Monday, the first leg of its days-long trek across the southern United States that includes 1,500-foot flyovers of several NASA facilities.

But on Sunday, NASA officials said the flight would be delayed a day because of storms between Florida and Houston. Midday Monday, NASA again announced the departure had been pushed back to sometime Wednesday.

[€uroMeinke]

Perhaps the start of the journey - but was originally going to land at LAX on Thursday, now Friday - fingers crossed.

[€uroMeinke]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kPHVa31-Rmc/UFerCXAbTpI/AAAAAAAA35k/OJNb62wU4dw/w497-h373/7996641479_c22984f9bf.jpg
Space shuttle Endeavour’s arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has been rescheduled for Friday, Sept. 21, a day later than originally planned. NASA postponed the Kennedy Space Center departure of Endeavour and NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft to Wednesday, Sept. 19 because of unacceptable weather along the ferry flight route. The decision was made to ensure a safe flight for Endeavour and the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Weather predictions are favorable Wednesday for the flight path between Kennedy and Houston.

NASA (https://plus.google.com/+NASA/posts)

[BarTopDancer]

I love that picture.

So, if one were to go to Encounters to see it, what time is it scheduled to land. And is it going to buzz Disneyland? Do we have a flight path?

Why am I so excited for this??

[Kevy Baby]

Southern California is actually getting TWO Shuttles (sort of) (http://www.space.com/16573-space-shuttle-mockup-california-display.html)

[alphabassettgrrl]

I'm hoping I can get down to LAX or somewhere close to watch her come in.

[innerSpaceman]

I've lost all enthusiasm for this project since they have destroyed 400 trees in neighborhoods with no power to object effectively. The Science Center says they will plant 2 trees for every 1 destroyed, and I'm sure someone's great grandchildren will enjoy those. But I'd rather they spent the money to take the wings off the Shuttle and reassemble it at the other end.

[Moonliner]

They should have given the shuttle to Texas for their kids and grand kids to enjoy.

Did you complain about the trees they cut down to build you home? Your freeways, shopping malls, McDonalds, shoe stores, tattoo parlors, airports, dumps, pools, churches, tire stores, grocery stores, hotels, bars, schools, movie theaters, concert halls, wig shops, bait stores, hardware stores, etc...

It's not exactly virgin forest around your neck of the woods.

[CoasterMatt]

They're also bringing in mature trees, not saplings.

[katiesue]

ISM is the Lorax, he speaks for the trees :)

[€uroMeinke]

When are we going to start planting trees on Mars?

[innerSpaceman]

That was a pretty retarded comment, Moonliner. You know very well I'm not talking about trees for lumber. So, no ... No shade and neighborhood beautification trees were cut down to build my anything.

[Kevy Baby]

No, Moonies comments were spot on. Your comments are retarded.

[Kevy Baby]

For everyone else, the list of So Cal flyover locations had been released (http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2012/09/endeavor_show_landmarks_flyover_los_angeles_lapd.p hp):

Boeing plant in Seal Beach
California Science Center
Disneyland <-- We'll be here
Getty Museum
Griffith Observatory
Huntington Beach
JPL
LA City Hall
Queen Mary
Santa Monica Pier
Space X in Hawthorne
Universal Studios

And iSm is required to remain indoors at all times.

[Moonliner]

That was a pretty retarded comment, Moonliner. You know very well I'm not talking about trees for lumber. So, no ... No shade and neighborhood beautification trees were cut down to build my anything.

My apologies, I had no idea you lived in Fantasyland.

[Alex]

No, you're all retarded. And by retarded I mean gay. And by gay I mean Mormon.

[katiesue]

Hmm I may just take the morning off and run up to see the sights.

[Moonliner]

It looks like Disneyland get's a flyover (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/09/endeavour-los-angeles-flyover-disneyland-getty-shuttle.html).

[mousepod]

No, you're all retarded. And by retarded I mean gay. And by gay I mean Mormon.

VAM

[BarTopDancer]

It looks like Disneyland get's a flyover (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/09/endeavour-los-angeles-flyover-disneyland-getty-shuttle.html).

Book your ticket yet? ;)

And VAM.

[Moonliner]

Book your ticket yet? ;)
.

I tried, but apparently they have already removed all the seats in the shuttle.

[Kevy Baby]

It looks like Disneyland get's a flyover (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/09/endeavour-los-angeles-flyover-disneyland-getty-shuttle.html).Are you ignoring me again?




See post #41.

[Moonliner]

Southern California is actually getting TWO Shuttles (sort of) (http://www.space.com/16573-space-shuttle-mockup-california-display.html)

[katiesue]

Day off procured - yay!

[Stan4dSteph]

Video of the Walt Disney World flyover (http://youtu.be/QPK7IlsX2ns).

[Disneyphile]

No shade and neighborhood beautification trees were cut down to build my anything.Except a large food-providing orange grove, of course. ;)

[Moonliner]

Except a large food-providing orange grove, of course. ;)

Hey! Welcome back stranger! Pop by and say hi a little more often ok?

[Disneyphile]

Hey! Welcome back stranger! Pop by and say hi a little more often ok?When I have time, of course! :)

[katiesue]

Any plan on where to best view in the park? It opens at 9 - I'm hoping to be there around then.

[Kevy Baby]

Any plan on where to best view in the park? It opens at 9 - I'm hoping to be there around then.I was wondering the same thing. I was thinking anywhere there was a (mostly) unobstructed view all around. I'm thinking around the hub, but I suspect that will be a popular (and crowded) location.

According to the news, the shuttle is taking off from Edwards Air Force Base (where it just landed) around 7:15 tomorrow morning. It will fly over the local cities (Palmdale, Lancaster, etc.) before heading up to Sacramento then the Bay Area. It will then fly down the coast to Malibu, turn inland over LA and Valley spots the down to Disneyland before going back up to land. I personally don't expect to see the Shuttle over Disneyland before 10:00-10:30. While officially the landing time is tentatively scheduled for 11:00, word is that it will be closer to noon.

[katiesue]

I was thinking the hub as well. I guess if it gets packed we can think of other spots?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

It might be fun to go for higher ground, like the top of Innoventions or the Main Street RR Station, but I'd rather be in the middle of a crowd so everyone can ooh and ahh together. That said, if it's shoulder-to-shoulder insanity, I might have to take my kiddo to higher ground anyway.

[katiesue]

I think the platform on Space would be appropriate but it's kind of an obstructed view.

[Kevy Baby]

I was thinking the platform for Space as well. The concern with Innoventions is that if it flies behind it, you're SOL.

Susan and I are toying with the idea of getting up at an ungodly hour to drive to the Palmdale/Lancaster area to watch the morning fly-over then coming back to watch the fly-over at Disneyland.

[Moonliner]

Susan and I are toying with the idea of getting up at an ungodly hour to drive to the Palmdale/Lancaster area to watch the morning fly-over then coming back to watch the landing at Disneyland.

Silly rabbit. It's just flying over Disneyland not landing there.

[Kevy Baby]

It's not nice to change my post when you quote it.






;)

[alphabassettgrrl]

DL is a bit far for me to go and be there early. Innoventions, train station, or the top of the parking structure come to mind as good viewing locations, though.

I was planning to hit either the Getty (which will open early at 9, so we can watch the shuttle fly) or the Griffith Observatory. Which would be the best? I was also considering LA City hall, but the shuttle won't be able to get very low in the city, and city hall isn't much taller than the surrounding buildings.

[Kevy Baby]

Susan and I are toying with the idea of getting up at an ungodly hour to drive to the Palmdale/Lancaster area to watch the morning fly-over then coming back to watch the fly-over at Disneyland.In looking at the timing, we decided against going to Palmdale. We figured we wouldn't get out until about 8:00; even with a perfect drive with no traffic (!), we wouldn't get to D-Land until 10:00 and that is cutting it too close. Based on everything I've heard, I predict that the D-Land flyover will be around 10:30, so there would be NO margin of error.

[Kevy Baby]

I think the Main Street DLRR station is too small of a space, especially since it is right at the entrance.

Another possible viewing spot might be the Monorail loading deck, except the roof might be in the way.

[€uroMeinke]

Since the usual landing approach to LAX is iand I'm wondering if the flight down the coast continues past Malibu down to Huntington Beach since the queen Mary and the Seal Beach & Huntington Beach Boeing plants are on the itinerary. In that case, it may head inland to Disneyland and hit the other inland LA landmarks on its landing approach.

I'm thinking either the Getty or Griffith Observatory would be awsome sights to see it work it's way through the LA basin. I also think the roof of Mickey and friends is probably the best view at the park since from there you can also see the Getty and Hollywood sign.

[Kevy Baby]

From what I heard on the news, the route is as noted in my post above (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?p=365230#post365230). Also, they can't really fly down the coast past LAX as it would interrupt the normal flight patterns.

[€uroMeinke]

NASA says they have not released exact times or flight paths for security reasons. I think flights will be interrupted anyway from several airports in the area.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Yeah. I'm almost thinking the Getty might be better- closer to other landmarks. Might be able to follow her progress. Oh, mental note- bring binoculars.

[mousepod]

I wish I could take off from work... I could probably see it from my house.

[Alex]

The last space shuttle I saw in the air in person blew up later so I'll play it safe and stay indoors.

[innerSpaceman]

Heads up, all you peeps who hope to turn your heads up tomorrow. Fog in San Francisco has delayed the planned flight over every single known California landmark. At least by an hour, but who knows?

[Kevy Baby]

Hey Moonie, they just interviewed someone who is giving you a run for your money: he flew in from England just to see the Endeavor today and tomorrow.

[Moonliner]

Hey Moonie, they just interviewed someone who is giving you a run for your money: he flew in from England just to see the Endeavor today and tomorrow.

There are others like me? Perhaps I should write a book: The Two Day (or less) Tourist.

[BarTopDancer]

If I could stay home I could walk about 2 minutes to the sand and see it from my house. But since I have to go to work my plan is to take an extended lunch, head over to DL, park in DTD parking, run to the park, watch, stroll back to the car and go back to work.

[katiesue]

Finally found the camera charger. That was an ordeal. Plan is to take Maddie to school at 7 then head up. She's pretty peeved she can't go. She'll live.

[Kevy Baby]

Two web sites for tracking the Endeavor

So Cal Science Center (http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/Exhibits/AirAndSpace/endeavour/Mission26/Mission26.php)

NASA (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html)

Also, from the NASA site about the delay:

Any time after 11:30 a.m., watch for flyovers of Endeavour passing landmarks such as the California Science Center, Columbia Memorial Space Center, Disneyland, The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles City Hall, the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, Malibu Beach, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Queen Mary, Universal Studios and Venice Beach. Endeavour will land about 12:45 p.m., at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

[€uroMeinke]

Bah - I have an 11:30 meeting. I'm just going to have to drive out to LAX after the fact

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'm going to try to head in the direction of DL around 10:30.

[BarTopDancer]

I am going to rely on my LoT crew to text me with any delays. I am going to leave my office around 1030, head up La Palma to Manchester, park in DTD.

I'm hoping the other 8billion local AP holders don't have the same idea. I may just head for the roof of the structure.

I don't suppose I could convince anyone to get FPs (2, if possible) to HMH and SM GG for me (to be used later tomorrow night during my originally scheduled trip)?

[CoasterMatt]

I should have a decent view from the roof of my office tomorrow.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I've decided- Getty it is. Will bring a book; plan to get there early and stake out a space as high as I can get. Hopefully this will be the last delay; I doubt I'll be able to get wireless at the Getty.

[katiesue]

BTD - no HMH fastpasses this year. Just FYI.

[Kevy Baby]

I am going to rely on my LoT crew to text me with any delays.Try following the So Cal Science Center on Twitter - use my link above to get to it.

[Ghoulish Delight]

#SpotTheShuttle

[Snowflake]

I'm hoping to get pics of it flying by this morning

[BarTopDancer]

Try following the So Cal Science Center on Twitter - use my link above to get to it.

That would involve having access to Twitter. Can't get the frakking app on my phone to authorize.



Grrrr. It all may be for nothing. IB is out today and my boss is being wishy washy if he will let me take an early/extended lunch. I can't get there, and back in an hour.

[€uroMeinke]

In an unfortunate series of events, I tweaked my knee last night so I may be driving up the cost to see my doctor during the fly over. To bad I dont have a sun roof.

[cirquelover]

I am sorry to hear that, hope the knee is ok.

Gary should be landing about the time it is taking off, maybe he can catch a glimpse.

[Moonliner]

NASA TV has live coverage. (http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html)The 747/Shuttle is in the air...

[Moonliner]

Here is the "secret (http://goo.gl/2sSm2)" map of the flyover path. It looks like USH is Prime viewing area with a full loop around it.

http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/stevesphotobook/map_zpsb710abdb.png

[Cadaverous Pallor]

If that map is accurate, how does that even count as a Disneyland flyover? Where did you get that?

[Moonliner]

If that map is accurate, how does that even count as a Disneyland flyover? Where did you get that?

Click the link. (http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/09/21/cbs2kcal9-obtain-endeavours-secret-flight-plan/)

[Moonliner]

KNX 1070 is reporting that the professional photographers are setting up in DCA for the best "Disneyland" view.....

[Moonliner]

It just went by the Golden gate...

http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/stevesphotobook/android/2012-09-21132045_zps0fd2b2ac.jpg

[Alex]

Apparently if I had looked up at the right time I'd have been able to see it from my cube as it flew by AT&T Park.

But I didn't and neither did anybody else in here. I did have the blinds up just in case.

[Snowflake]

1730

Moonie, this was SO cool! :snap:

[Moonliner]

Moonie, this was SO cool! :snap:

Sweeett!!!

[cirquelover]

Great pic!

Gary was staring at the GPS screen in his rental car when it went overhead, he is mad.

[CoasterMatt]

That was such a neat thing to experience.

There were a dozen of us on the roof of the office building, cameras and smiles at the ready.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Very brief time over Disneyland...but AWESOME.


A few photos, spoiled for size.


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/8010188511_3e91b3d88f_h.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8441/8010186529_0fccc15229_h.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/8010185779_7000c7d6a7_h.jpg

[Cadaverous Pallor]

That was amazing to see. So low, so massive.

Theo was a trooper through the awful heat.

[Kevy Baby]

For those who didn't see it on Facebook, here is a link to the video I took of Endeavor flying over Disneyland (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7BcLWdBpeo)

[Kevy Baby]

That first photo is awesome GD!

[katiesue]

We rode splash after. https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Yo4L8hzwySQ/UF0FS4PqUPI/AAAAAAAAMH4/q6X0xG9jOpM/s549/IMG_4429.JPG

[katiesue]

Here's a link to my photos - link (https://plus.google.com/photos/111230570067952530933/albums/5790789716662873793?authkey=CLaJtN2e7Knz-wE)

[lindyhop]

Moonliner, thanks so much for your updates on Twitter. I was at work about 9 miles south of the Park but went outside just in case I could get a glimpse. I shared some shade with another employee who was listening to something that he said was about two minutes behind. I was able to tell him when you said Endeavor was over Disneyland so we moved out from under the tree and he almost immediately spotted the shuttle and the chase planes. It was so low and disappeared behind trees so quickly I don't think I would have seen it on my own.

So thanks to you and the guy in the parking lot.:)

[Ghoulish Delight]

That first photo is awesome GD!

So the others suck?

[alphabassettgrrl]

Saw it from the Getty. Gorgeous. Everybody cheered and clapped when she came up.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/8010749692_8a1c025128.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ca-photogrrl/8010749692/)
Shuttle fly-by (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ca-photogrrl/8010749692/) by kerry richardson (http://www.flickr.com/people/ca-photogrrl/), on Flickr

[Kevy Baby]

So the others suck?Well, I didn't want to say anything...

[lashbear]

Geez, you guys, it's just a bloody shuttle.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Geez, you guys, it's just a bloody shuttle.U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!

[CoasterMatt]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8170/8012384926_9eb6325b63_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/coastermatt/8012384926/)
From the roof of my office, I could see the people gathering at Universal Studios, on the Starway.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/8012381076_8260473c7a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/coastermatt/8012381076/)
There it is!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/8012377336_cba5963c97_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/coastermatt/8012377336/)
I wept like a baby. The shuttle meant so much to me as a kid- I went to 2 launches and 15 landings, and a bunch of people in my family and neighborhood worked on the shuttle program. Somebody described yesterday as being like an "open casket wake".

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/8012373450_163f5d95ea_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/coastermatt/8012373450/)

[Alex]

Geez, you guys, it's just a bloody shuttle.

That was my view too, but apparently I was in the minority.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I loved being able to tell Theo, "That was a space ship that just flew over our head."

[Moonliner]

From the roof of my office, I could see the people gathering at Universal Studios, on the Starway.

That's from your office building? I think Matt wins for "coolest view from office".

[Ghoulish Delight]

That's from your office building? I think Matt wins for "coolest view from office".

I'd show you pictures of the view I had from a customer site most of this week, but I don't think the dude in the naval uniform with the sidearm would have appreciated me pulling out my camera phone on base.

[CoasterMatt]

The view from the office we're moving to in a couple months is even better.

[BarTopDancer]

That was beyond incredible. Since traffic around DLR was gridlocked I headed over to Angel Stadium with hopes of seeing it. Direct flyover! My pictures suck.

My coworkers went up to the foothills of La Habra Heights hoping to see it come in over the valley (and take photos) but they didn't see anything.

And it turns out on approach to DLR it flew right past our office.

[cirquelover]

Awesome pics!

Gary is supposed to bring me a paper from San Fran, there was almost no coverage up here.

[Snowflake]

Awesome pics. Everyone!

[Moonliner]

Potentially Interesting...

The GSA is going to be auctioning off (http://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/gsaauctions/) "retired shuttle objects".

I'll have to keep an eye on these.... A robotic arm would be great for the mancave.

[CoasterMatt]

http://i.imgur.com/K1zWO.jpg

[BarTopDancer]

That picture makes me sad on so many levels.

[Kevy Baby]

Sad that you're a Ducks fan? Can't say as I blame you.

[Morrigoon]

So Disney did some things very right, but missed the mark on others.
They had the foresight to close the Minnie level to cars and allow people to gather up there, kudos to them (and there were a LOT of people up there!)

But I can't believe that with hundreds of people standing on top of a shadeless concrete structure in the midday sun for two hours, nobody thought to bring ODV over! They should have gotten somebody over there to sell sodas, ice cream and/or frozen lemonade. Could have made quite a bit of extra money there.

[lashbear]

Maybe they aren't licensed for that in the parking areas ?

[cirquelover]

Potentially Interesting...

The GSA is going to be auctioning off (http://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/gsaauctions/) "retired shuttle objects".

I'll have to keep an eye on these.... A robotic arm would be great for the mancave.

I had no idea that the gov't sold lighthouses!

[BarTopDancer]

Anyone here going to the parade on Friday?

[Ghoulish Delight]

If I understand correctly, the real parade will be on Saturday, not Friday.

http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/space/stories/space-shuttle-endeavour-preps-for-parade-the-final-leg-of-its-california

On Oct. 12, Endeavour, riding the same transporter that was previously used to move its sister ships between their Palmdale, Calif. assembly plant to Dryden for ferrying to the KennedySpace Center in Florida, will emerge from its temporary airport hangar home and roll out onto the streets of Inglewood. The procession will pick up in earnest the next day, when the space shuttle is moved in full public view from Inglewood City Hall to the California Science Center at Exposition Park, where it's expected to arrive by dusk.

Basically, Friday they're moving it a few blocks, Saturday they're moving it the 12 miles. I'm sure there will be something to see Friday, but it will likely be less well organized, and concentrated into a much more condensed clusterfvck. So my (current) plan is to try to see it Saturday.

[BarTopDancer]

Thanks GD! I guess I'll withdraw my vacation request and figure out where to go Saturday.

[Ghoulish Delight]

There is now a very detailed schedule (http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/10/04/schedule-for-endeavours-trip-from-lax-to-science-center/)

Not sure exactly what they mean by this, but they "are asking that spectators only come to see it at the following places on Saturday, Oct. 13:

- 9 a.m, Forum parking lot in Inglewood
- 2 p.m., Martin Luther King and Crenshaw at Crenshaw Plaza
- 8:30 p.m., Bill Robertson Lane at Exposition Park"

Not sure how they expect that everyone who wants to see it will do so by cramming into 3 specific intersections.

Meanwhile, it will actually leave the hanger late Thursday night.

Driving back and forth on the 405 around 10PM Friday to catch it crossing at Manchester might not be a bad bet.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Ah, I see. At 2PM, when it arrives at MLK and Crenshaw, it will then be there until 4:30 while they reconfigure the transport vehicles for the next part.

Hmm.

[katiesue]

From what I read they are closing the streets and the sidewalks. So I think they're trying to get the word out that you can't just walk along next to it you'll need to go to one of the specific areas if you want to see anything.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Yeah, that makes sense. If the've got to remove trees, there's obviously no room to have people lining the streets.

[Kevy Baby]

WAIT... they are removing trees?!? How come I haven't heard anything about this?

[BarTopDancer]

WAIT... they are removing trees?!? How come I haven't heard anything about this?

The city of Los Angeles didn't ask you if it was OK that they cut down trees?

[€uroMeinke]

It's okay. It's only in the poor neighborhoods.

[innerSpaceman]

The City of Los Angeles did not ask ANYONE to see if they could remove the trees. Far from it, a city attorney told the fine folks at the Science Center to LIE and apply for a house-moving permit, which are easily granted to remove a tree or two, instead of the actual permit they needed for moving a freaking Space Shuttle, which would have required far more red tape to remove 450 trees - and rightly so!!

A company which was hired by the Science Center to do a survey also fraudulently said all 450 trees were sick, and of course that turned out to be completely false.

Meanwhile, in all the reporting I've seen on this (and I've seen a lot), nowhere have I seen anything about the replacement trees being mature specimens.

[Kevy Baby]

I think they should have removed them all and not put any replacements in - poor people don't deserve trees.

[BarTopDancer]

Last night it was moving at 2mph and was 2 hours late getting to its destination.

I'm thinking I won't make it up there tomorrow to one of the viewing locations. Is anyone here thinking of going?

[innerSpaceman]

Power outages tonight as they remove certain transformers so the Shuttle can cross the 405 on Manchester Blvd. Oh, and my co-worker missed a doctor's appointment and was very late to work because she did not have the proper security clearance to leave her own neighborhood. Nice.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Bwahahahahashahah!

[RStar]

Last night it was moving at 2mph and was 2 hours late getting to its destination.

Just like every other time I try to navigate around the LA area.....

[Moonliner]

Just like every other time I try to navigate around the LA area.....

Delays were fairly normal for the shuttle program as well.

[RStar]

Hey, good point.

At least it's unlikely to explode while making this trip.

(I hope that's not in bad taste considering the past horrible events, but it was always a real possibility).

[Moonliner]

This has got to be the money shot of the parade....

http://framework.latimes.com/2012/10/12/space-shuttle-endeavour-2/#/51

The shuttle in front of Randy's donuts, where I don't believe I've ever been. How are their donuts?

[BarTopDancer]

Apparently there was plenty of public viewing of the "parade". It's a shame I had no idea where to even begin to go to view and I missed the whole thing.

Disappointed doesn't even begin to describe how bummed out I am over missing this.

[Ghoulish Delight]

This has got to be the money shot of the parade....

http://framework.latimes.com/2012/10/12/space-shuttle-endeavour-2/#/51

YES!

I drove up the 405 the morning after it passed. Going under Manchester, I saw the donut, and thought (possibly said outloud to no one), "PLEASE tell me someone got that shot.

Thank you for the link.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

It's a shame I had no idea where to even begin to go to view and I missed the whole thing.

Disappointed doesn't even begin to describe how bummed out I am over missing this.There was plenty of info here and elsewhere on the route. We didn't have the ability to just park and walk and chase the thing but sans child we would have been all over it.

We'll see it in the museum.

[Kevy Baby]

We'll see it in the museum.I want to make sure to see it both in its temporary horizontal position and in its permanent vertical position.

For those who don't know, you can see the Endeavor starting on October 30. While admission is free, the free admission is "first come, first served." However, you can pay a $2.00 service fee (per ticket) to reserve a time (you can also combine tickets to the Cleopatra and/or IMAX exhibits). More info here (http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/Exhibits/AirAndSpace/endeavour/endeavour.php).

You can also sponsor a tile (http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/GenInfo/Membership/Campaign/sponsor/sponsor.php) starting at $1,000

[BarTopDancer]

There was plenty of info here and elsewhere on the route. We didn't have the ability to just park and walk and chase the thing but sans child we would have been all over it.

We'll see it in the museum.

Everything I found kept saying no public access and it was supposedly so behind schedule I had no idea to begin to figure out where to go when I realized that there was access if you parked and chased. Not everyone is LA savvy enough to deal with road closures and blindly driving around areas.

[Alex]

Out of curiosity, couldn't they have just put it on a platform then used a couple of those assume cargo helicopters to fly it to its destination?

[Ghoulish Delight]

They could have, but this made a better story. Much like slamming it into a bridge in NY.

[Alex]

Trying to remember what I was trying to type that my phone turned into assume.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Awesome?

Your post reminded me of this (http://jalopnik.com/5949166/how-to-steal-the-space-shuttle-a-step+by+step-guide)

[Alex]

Looked it up. The shuttle weighs a lot more empty than I thought and the most powerful lifting helicopters don't lift as much as I thought.

So I'll go back to thinking they should have just chopped it up and reassembled it.

[Moonliner]

Looked it up. The shuttle weighs a lot more empty than I thought and the most powerful lifting helicopters don't lift as much as I thought.

So I'll go back to thinking they should have just chopped it up and reassembled it.

Or they could have moved a few utilities, removed a couple of trees and dragged it through the streets giving thousands of people a never to be repeated chance to see it up close.

[innerSpaceman]

Nope, they could have disassembled it and reassembled it. And saved FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY TREES that had been growing for 50 years from a poor and blighted neighborhood that can scarcely afford further blight.

[Kevy Baby]

Still can't see the forest for the trees?

[€uroMeinke]

That poor & blighted neighborhood got a shuttle parade, what posh neighborhood got that? Trees - everybody has those already.

[Kevy Baby]

For those who didn't see it on Facebook: @casciencecenter: Time-lapse of Endeavour's trek across LA from @latimes. Jaw just dropped. http://ow.ly/ewR8J

[Alex]

Or they could have moved a few utilities, removed a couple of trees and dragged it through the streets giving thousands of people a never to be repeated chance to see it up close.

Yes, they could have done it that way. But my way is better.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

The time lapse shows just how close the locals got to the shuttle. I'd say they weren't thinking about the trees at that moment.

[Moonliner]

But to be fair, if they came through my neighborhood and cut down all our trees to make room for this.... I might feel differently.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Aargh! I just did an awesome drawing in Draw Something for "shuttle", complete with traffic lights and downed trees. But my phone froze before it was sent and before I could take a screenshot.

Bummer.