Endeavour, the final Space Shuttle, was constructed to replace Challenger after its loss on 28 Jan. 1986. Endeavour's rollout occurred on 25 Apr. 1991 and eventually flew 25 missions into Earth orbit. The final mission, STS-134, was flown on 16 May 2011. On 20 Sep. 2012, Endeavour returned to Southern California for the final time, on its way for public display at the California Science Center. These photos document Endeavour's arrival at Edwards AFB and the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.

A beautiful blue sky early on the morning of Endeavour's arrival.

A NASA F-18 chase plane takes off to meet up with the incoming Endeavour.

First view of Endeavour atop the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.

Coming in over North Base, the SCA turned and headed directly toward us.

A sweeping turn above us with the F-18 chase close by.

Doing a low pass in salute of all the Edwards/Dryden personnel who participated in the Space Shuttle.

Passing above an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Final approach with the South Base media crowd in attendance.

Endeavour and the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft touch down at 12:51 pm Pacific Daylight Time on 20 Sep. 2012.

SCA No. 905 slows as it rolls down the runway.

Another F-16 takes to the sky as the Endeavour/SCA taxi toward Dryden.

A television cameraman follows Endeavour's progress.

Taxiing in front of the hangars at Edwards.

Driving into the Dryden facility, Endeavour appears to be parked on top of a building.

At Dryden, the SCA flight crew discuss their ferry mission of Endeavour.

(L-R) Flight Engineer Larry Larose, Pilot Frank Batteas, and Chief Pilot Bill Brockett.

Markings on the side of the SCA showing the various ferry flights accomplished.

Security was ever present throughout Endeavour's stay at Dryden.

Leading edge of the Endeavour's right wing showing reinforced carbon-carbon.

Nose and cockpit area of Endeavour.

Proud heritage of Endeavour.

Low angle highlights the silica fiber heat tiles which protect the orbiter during reentry.

Rear orbiter attach point.

Front orbiter attach point.

Rear of the Orbital Maneuvering System pod showing the effects of reentry heating.

Front of the OMS pod.

A parting shot of OV-105 Endeavour atop SCA No. 905.

The entrance to the Dryden Flight Research Center on my way to leave the base. Temperature that day was 107°F.