Endeavour Departure

The C-9 Pathfinder takes off first. As the name implies, the Pathfinder's role is to find routes of safe passage through weather systems.
C9 Pathfinder NASA Shuttle Landing Facility Kennedy Space Center
With Endeavour on its back, the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft begins to taxi towards the North end of the runway.
Shuttle Landing Facility Space Shuttle Endeavour NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft NASA 905 N905NA Kennedy Space Center
While the 747 waits at the end of the runway, the T-38 chase plane takes off next.

NASA's T-38 fleet has been used by astronauts to fly between Johnson Space Center and Kennedy Space Center for shuttle missions.
Shuttle Landing Facility T38 NASA Kennedy Space Center
With the T-38 (left) and C-9 (right) formed up in the skies, the 747 begins its takeoff roll.
Shuttle Landing Facility Space Shuttle Endeavour NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft NASA 905 N905NA Kennedy Space Center
The 747 and Endeavour on takeoff roll.
Shuttle Landing Facility Space Shuttle Endeavour NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft NASA 905 N905NA Kennedy Space Center
Takeoff. Space Shuttle Endeavour begins her final journey as seen in this remote camera view from the South end of the runway.
Shuttle Landing Facility Space Shuttle Endeavour NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft NASA 905 N905NA Kennedy Space Center
Once in the air, the duo takes a tour around area landmarks, including Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Cocoa Beach, the KSC Visitor Complex, and the Vehicle Assembly Building (pictured).
Shuttle Landing Facility NASA Space Shuttle Endeavour 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft NASA 905 N905NA Kennedy Space Center
The pair returns to the Shuttle Landing Facility for one final, low pass across the runway.
Shuttle Landing Facility Space Shuttle Endeavour NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft NASA 905 N905NA Kennedy Space Center
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Shuttle Landing Facility Space Shuttle Endeavour NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft NASA 905 N905NA Kennedy Space Center
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Shuttle Landing Facility Space Shuttle Endeavour NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft NASA 905 N905NA Kennedy Space Center
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Shuttle Landing Facility Space Shuttle Endeavour NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft NASA 905 N905NA Kennedy Space Center
Endeavour bids the historic spaceport farewell and heads West. Only one sister ship, Atlantis, will remain at Kennedy Space Center.
Shuttle Landing Facility Space Shuttle Endeavour NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft NASA 905 N905NA Kennedy Space Center