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Houston, Texas
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Before its role in transporting space shuttles, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft was a Boeing 747-100, initially used by American Airlines.
The aircraft was modified to include two large vertical stabilizers on the tail to stabilize the shuttle during flight.
It was responsible for ferrying space shuttles from landing sites back to the Kennedy Space Center for refurbishment and relaunch.
Only two Shuttle Carrier Aircrafts were ever constructed, both of which were modified Boeing 747s.
Its final mission was to transport the Space Shuttle Endeavour to Los Angeles, where it is now displayed at the California Science Center.
The aircraft was capable of carrying a space shuttle weighing up to 240,000 pounds on its back.
Visitors can explore the aircraft at Space Center Houston, where it is displayed with the replica shuttle Independence mounted on top.
