A "kiss" for the shuttle Endeavour

In a town known for the paparazzi, space shuttle Endeavour has likely set a new bar for being the subject of photographs.

All weekend, people were snapping photos of the spacecraft as it rolled down the streets of Los Angeles.

Scores of people shared their photos with The Times. You can look at them here.

Some people had some fun with the shuttle, using the tricks of photography to make them look closer to the shuttle than they actually were.

Tamara Grey "kissed" the shuttle; Ted Tablan photographed a worker "lifting" it.

After a dramatic three-day parade through city streets marked by repeated lengthy delays, Endeavour was greeted by thousands of cheering spectators as it pulled up to its new home at the California Science Center.

The shuttle’s arrival, shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday, was more than 16 hours behind schedule, but the 85-ton orbiter survived its 12-mile journey through the city streets, from Los Angeles International Airport to the museum at Exposition Park, without a scratch.

“Mission 26 -- mission accomplished,” Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa told reporters and spectators, standing at Exposition Park with the shuttle  behind him as a backdrop. The mayor was referencing the shuttle’s 25 space missions and its journey across the city.

FULL COVERAGE: Endeavour's move through L.A.

The shuttle’s progress was slowed by unexpected maintenance issues and last-minute maneuvers to avoid obstacles like trees and utility poles.

ALSO:

Past 1:30 a.m., cheers as space shuttle moves -- then, a leak

Maintenance delays push Endeavour arrival to 7 a.m. at earliest

Space shuttle Endeavour won't arrive at museum until 6 a.m. at earliest

--Shelby Grad

Photos: Credit: Tamara Grey and Ted Tablan / Special to The Times