Endeavour spent three weeks in a United Air Lines hangar at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) before beginning its final 12 mile journey overland to the California Science Center.

Phase 1: At approximately midnight on 12 October the orbiter was moved out of the hangar and off the airport property. By approximately 2:15 am the convoy passed in front of Media Site 1 as it crossed from Northside Parkway, over Lincoln Boulevard, and onto McConnell Avenue, before finally turning east on Westchester Parkway.

First view on Northside Parkway.

Endeavour transfered onto Lincoln Boulevard.

With the median removed and steel plates laid down to protect the road, Endeavour crosseed from the eastbound to the westbound lanes on Lincoln.

Note the "Welcome Home" sign greeting Endeavour.

The orbiter turned the corner from McConnell Avenue onto Westchester Parkway, and disappeared into the night.

Phase 2: Endeavour traveled down Westchester Parkway, then turned north on La Tijera. This street then angled to the east where it crossed over Sepulveda Boulevard to the Dollinger parking lot at La Tijera and Sepulveda Eastway.

At 5:35 am, the convoy passed the lot at La Tijera and Sepulveda Eastway, then backed into its parking spot where it remained for more than eight hours.

After much difficulty crossing Sepulveda, Endeavour proceeded down La Tijera.

Parked for the night, the media and spectators move in for a closer shot.

That afternoon, the parking area and surrounding streets are packed with people wanting a closer look at the last of America's Space Shuttle fleet.

The father at right gives his son a boost.

Some people even showed up in costume, such as the man below in the Chewbacca suit doing interviews.

Close up view of the starboard side of Endeavour's crew compartment skin with worn decals on how to cut into the vehicle during an emergency.

Helicopters were ever present throughout the move.

Business end of Endeavour.

Endeavour leaves the Dollinger parking area.

Some family members watch the parade.

Cruising by the flag.

The port wing as Endeavour moves down La Tijera. Clearance with light poles, traffic lights and trees often necessitated their removal.

Cheering crowds flocked around the shuttle wherever it went.

Phase 3: The convoy followed La Tijera northeast until it crossed Manchester Boulevard, where Endeavour made a right turn to head directly east toward Interstate 405. As it neared the intersection with La Cienega Boulevard, the orbiter was brought to a stop. At that point it was transferred to a lightweight trailer system to be towed across I-405 later that evening. The stop lasted approximately seven hours.

From a vantage point on Olive Street looking west at 4:10 pm, Endeavour approaches a couple of blocks away from the viewing site. Note the street and traffic lights that have been taken down to facilitate the orbiter's safe passage.

Endeavour approaches Olive as Manchester makes a dog leg to the north, before turning east again to stop at the I-405.

Endeavour slides past the crowd.

Passing in front of the Jet Car Wash.

Some utility wires were taken down, others, like the one Endeavour is about to pass under, had enough give to be able to raise them so the orbiter could slip underneath with little power disruption.

Phase 4: When it was discovered that the weight of the Space Shuttle orbiter and the transport dolly were considered too heavy to safely pass across the Manchester Boulevard bridge of I-405, a plan was devised to transfer Endeavour to a lightweight set of trailers that could be towed by a standard Toyota Tundra truck. Toyota, a long-time supporter and sponsor of the California Science Center, provided the horsepower needed to make the feat happen as planned.

The Tundra is hitched to the shuttle trailers in front of the famous Randy's Donuts at the corner of Manchester and La Cienega. Although not open at the time of the move, Randy was selling shuttle-shaped doghnuts in the days leading up to the transfer.

Imagine the fill-up price for Endeavour!

A sunburst in the middle of the night provided by the lighting used for filming the event.

The film crew awaits the "Roll camera" order.

The special SUV outfitted for filming is painted flat black so as not to create reflections.

Insignia for the Inglewood Public Works Department for the Endeavour move.

Endeavour at the mid point of the I-405 crossing. All went perfectly and the orbiter was transferred back to the standard transport trailer in plenty of time to head east to the Inglewood Forum and the first major public event of the trip on Saturday morning.

At 11:34 pm, the Tundra puts it in gear and Endeavour drives past Randy's Donuts and across Interstate 405 at the Manchester Bridge.