Taken as Space Shuttle Endeavour made it’s final flight on the top of a NASA 747, this photo represents an end of an erra in space flight and to an entire generation who devoted their lives to this chapter in our history.
Space Shuttle Endeavour was put on an aerial parade around Southern California and the Los Angeles area just before touching down at LAX for the last time today – Sept 21, 2012. Among the list of landmark fly by’s, Endeavour’s final ferry flight took her over the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’, Disneyland. I gathered with thousands of guests at the Disneyland Resort to watch, and photograph this historic flight. But much to the surprise of everyone gathered, and to that of the entire team of Disney photographers and videographers, Endeavour passed directly overhead of us. The plan was to have the flight take an approach where Mickey’s Fun Wheel and Cars Land would be in frame, but it was not meant to be. It does make me wonder if Disney was able to get a good shot with Space Mountain in the frame…we’ll know soon I suppose.
Shuttle Endeavour over Disney California Adventure, with the Tower of Terror in the background
Still the sight of this magnificent piece of technology, innovation and imagination as well as to feel the rumble of the engines, inspired cheer and applause from the crowds gathered around the Resort. As well I’m sure it did from those in other locations throughout California.
Endeavour will become part of a permanent exhibit at the California Science Center in October 2012.
Update: Disney has released their official video of the Endeavour flyover.
