PHOTOS: Endeavour Goes Hollywood

Making a final victory lap around the state of California, the Endeavour came to Hollywood for it's close-up before landing at LAX a little after noon. I was fortunate enough to be allowed to set up my photo equipment at the top of City Hall, where I had unobstructed views of the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory.

Endeavour made three laps near downtown Los Angeles, the last lap taking it within half a mile of the City Hall tower.  (You can read more about my adventures in this LA Times story.)

Endeavour makes it's first pass near City Hall - Griffith Park is in the background

As it passed by us the third and final time, I thought it somehow fitting that America's space shuttle program finally came to a close in Los Angeles, the city of dreamers and make-believe.

Click on any photo to see it full-size.

Spectators waiting on the roof of the Superior Court building

Endeavour  passes by the Hollywood sign

Spectators on the 27th floor of City Hall trying to line up a shot

Endeavour  passes over downtown LA

Downtown Los Angeles in between passes of the Endeavour

The shadow of LA City Hall falls on the new Grand Park

Shadow of the LA City Hall tower falls on a security guard

Spectators on top of the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion

Endeavour  passes over downtown LA

Spectators on top of City Hall take photos as the Endeavour passes by

Endeavor passes over downtown LA

Endeavour  passes over downtown LA

Endeavour  passes by downtown LA on it's way to Long Beach

Endeavour  in front of Mount Wilson - that's a chase plane on the right.

Endeavour  passes close to City Hall on its third and final pass

Endeavour passes close to City Hall on its third and final pass

Endeavour passes close to City Hall on its third and final pass

Endeavour and two escort aircraft close to City Hall on their third and final pass

My last photo of Endeavour as it flies by City Hall