NASA signs over shuttle title to California museum

[October 12, 2011]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- NASA has transferred ownership of the retired space shuttle Endeavour to a California museum.

A ceremony at the California Science Center Tuesday was attended by several members of Endeavour's last crew including Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' astronaut-husband Mark Kelly.

Endeavour is expected to arrive next year at Los Angeles International Airport and then be towed through the streets to the museum near downtown Los Angeles.

Museum President Jeffrey Rudolph says Endeavour will be housed horizontally in a temporary display until a permanent exhibit is built. Its final position will be vertical, as if it's ready to launch.

NASA retired the space shuttle fleet in July after three decades of flying. Museums in suburban Washington, D.C., Florida and New York will receive the remaining shuttles and prototype vehicle.

[Associated Press]

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