A retired space shuttle of NASA started its journey on September 17 towards its permanent home – California Science Center and arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on September 20. Can you guess which space shuttle I’m talking about? You could be right. I’m talking about NASA’s youngest space shuttle Endeavour. However, this retired space shuttle has felt a bit bore and has decided to show itself to the people. So, the space shuttle has started its journey through the streets of Los Angeles from October 12 (Friday).
Before heading to its retirement home, California Science Center, which is on the edge of downtown, the 80-ton spaceship, will be travelling 12 miles (19 kilometers) on the streets of Los Angeles for 2 days. By boarding atop of Toyota Tundra truck (a massive wheeled transporter) for the California Science Center, it has already started its journey shortly after 2 a.m. (0900 GMT) on October 12 (Friday) from LAX at 2 mph (3.2 kmph).
Endeavour reached its first stoppage (a strip mall parking lot) just before 6 a.m. (1300 GMT). A few hundreds of spectators looked at the space shuttle closely.
After seeing this space shuttle in front of their eyes live and close, people were really overwhelmed. For Example, a 38-year old bystander named Stephen Caldwell said, “I grew up in central Florida and saw many shuttle launches, but this is the first time I’ve ever been up close to one. This really is a big part of American history and to be able to see it here is really special.” Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry acknowledged, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the space shuttle come down your neighborhood street. How often does that happen?”
The interesting thing is, to make Endeavour’s last journey on road successful, workers have removed street lights, traffic signals, power poles and parking meters along the path temporarily. They have also cut 400 trees to clear its way. But the California Science Center has promised to plant more than 1,000 trees to make up for their removal.
According to Shell Amega, a spokeswoman for the science center, “The project to move Endeavour will cost over $10 million.” After reaching California Science Center, Endeavour will be displayed to people in a temporary, hangar-style metal structure.
Source : Reuters
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