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Image 2 of 90 "It's pretty cool," said Tom Smith, who used to work with the shuttle simulator. "It's pretty cool," said Tom Smith, who used to work with the shuttle simulator.

Image 3 of 90 "I was hoping we would get a real shuttle, considering that we managed it for 30 years," said Tom Smith. "But at least this (the jet) is real." "I was hoping we would get a real shuttle, considering that we managed it for 30 years," said Tom Smith. "But at least this (the jet) is real."

Image 4 of 90 NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, is settled into its permanent home at Space Center Houston early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014. NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, is settled into its permanent home at Space Center Houston early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014.

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Image 6 of 90 NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, is settled into its permanent home at Space Center Houston early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014. NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, is settled into its permanent home at Space Center Houston early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014.

Image 7 of 90 NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, is settled into its permanent home at Space Center Houston early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014. NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, is settled into its permanent home at Space Center Houston early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014.

Image 8 of 90 NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, is settled into its permanent home at Space Center Houston early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014. NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, is settled into its permanent home at Space Center Houston early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014.

Image 9 of 90 NASA's Boeing 747 is settled into its permanent home at Space Center Houston early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014. NASA's Boeing 747 is settled into its permanent home at Space Center Houston early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014.

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Image 11 of 90 NASA's Boeing 747 is settled into its permanent home at Space Center Houston early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014. NASA's Boeing 747 is settled into its permanent home at Space Center Houston early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014.

Image 12 of 90 Crowds turn out for the spectacle about 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 29. Crowds turn out for the spectacle about 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 29.

Image 13 of 90 The specially modified 747 that was used for three decades began its move to Space Center Houston on Monday. The specially modified 747 that was used for three decades began its move to Space Center Houston on Monday. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 14 of 90 Spectators take photos as crews guide the NASA shuttle carrier aircraft along Highway 3, at East NASA Parkway, Tuesday, April 29, 2014, in Webster. Spectators take photos as crews guide the NASA shuttle carrier aircraft along Highway 3, at East NASA Parkway, Tuesday, April 29, 2014, in Webster. Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Image 16 of 90 Onlookers take photos as the jumbo jet at El Camino Real as crews remove traffic lights before it can pass through, Tuesday, April 29, 2014, in Houston. Onlookers take photos as the jumbo jet at El Camino Real as crews remove traffic lights before it can pass through, Tuesday, April 29, 2014, in Houston. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 17 of 90 Crews raise power lines to let the NASA shuttle carrier, a Boeing 747, make its way to Space Center Houston late Tuesday, April 29. Crews raise power lines to let the NASA shuttle carrier, a Boeing 747, make its way to Space Center Houston late Tuesday, April 29.

Image 18 of 90 A crewman prepares a street light to be removed to make way for the NASA shuttle carrier aircraft along East NASA Parkway at El Camino Real, Tuesday, April 29, 2014, in Houston. A crewman prepares a street light to be removed to make way for the NASA shuttle carrier aircraft along East NASA Parkway at El Camino Real, Tuesday, April 29, 2014, in Houston. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 19 of 90 Crowds turn out for the spectacle about 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 29. Crowds turn out for the spectacle about 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 29.

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Image 21 of 90 The specially modified 747 that was used for three decades will anchor a new $12 million exhibit with the center's full-scale mockup of the space shuttle atop it. The specially modified 747 that was used for three decades will anchor a new $12 million exhibit with the center's full-scale mockup of the space shuttle atop it. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 22 of 90 The NASA shuttle carrier aircraft arrives at Space Center Houston early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014, in Houston. The NASA shuttle carrier aircraft arrives at Space Center Houston early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014, in Houston. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 23 of 90 It will anchor a new $12 million exhibit with the center's full-scale mockup of the space shuttle atop it. It will anchor a new $12 million exhibit with the center's full-scale mockup of the space shuttle atop it. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 24 of 90 Crews put down wood in preparation for the jet to cross over an esplanade along East NASA Parkway in front of Space Center Houston, early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014, in Houston. Crews put down wood in preparation for the jet to cross over an esplanade along East NASA Parkway in front of Space Center Houston, early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014, in Houston. Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Image 26 of 90 Crowds turn out for the spectacle about 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 29. Crowds turn out for the spectacle about 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 29.

Image 27 of 90 Crowds turn out for the spectacle about 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 29. Crowds turn out for the spectacle about 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 29.

Image 28 of 90 Crowds turn out for the spectacle about 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 29. Crowds turn out for the spectacle about 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 29.

Image 29 of 90 Crowds turn out for the spectacle about 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 29. Crowds turn out for the spectacle about 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 29.

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Image 31 of 90 Crews guide the NASA shuttle carrier, a Boeing 747, along Highway 3, on the way to Space Center Houston on April 29. Crews guide the NASA shuttle carrier, a Boeing 747, along Highway 3, on the way to Space Center Houston on April 29.

Image 32 of 90 Crews guide the NASA shuttle carrier, a Boeing 747, along Highway 3, on the way to Space Center Houston on April 29. Crews guide the NASA shuttle carrier, a Boeing 747, along Highway 3, on the way to Space Center Houston on April 29.

Image 33 of 90 Crews guide the NASA shuttle carrier, a Boeing 747, along Highway 3, on the way to Space Center Houston on April 29. Crews guide the NASA shuttle carrier, a Boeing 747, along Highway 3, on the way to Space Center Houston on April 29.

Image 34 of 90 Crews guide the NASA shuttle carrier, a Boeing 747, along Highway 3, on the way to Space Center Houston on April 29. Crews guide the NASA shuttle carrier, a Boeing 747, along Highway 3, on the way to Space Center Houston on April 29.

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Image 36 of 90 The jet reached its destination at Space Center Houston early April 30. The jet reached its destination at Space Center Houston early April 30.

Image 37 of 90 Crews guide the NASA shuttle carrier, a Boeing 747, along Highway 3, on the way to Space Center Houston on April 29. Crews guide the NASA shuttle carrier, a Boeing 747, along Highway 3, on the way to Space Center Houston on April 29. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 38 of 90 A crewman prepares a street light to be removed to make way for the jumbo plane along East NASA Parkway on April 29. A crewman prepares a street light to be removed to make way for the jumbo plane along East NASA Parkway on April 29. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 39 of 90 The plane waits along East NASA Parkway on April 29. The plane waits along East NASA Parkway on April 29. Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Image 41 of 90 Spectators take photos as crews guide the NASA shuttle carrier on April 29. Spectators take photos as crews guide the NASA shuttle carrier on April 29. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 42 of 90 The jumbo jet along Highway 3 on April 29. The jumbo jet along Highway 3 on April 29. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 43 of 90 The plane nears a light pole along Highway 3 on April 29. The plane nears a light pole along Highway 3 on April 29. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 44 of 90 The plane nears a light pole along Highway 3 on April 29. The plane nears a light pole along Highway 3 on April 29. Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Image 46 of 90 Onlookers take photos along East NASA Parkway on April 29. Onlookers take photos along East NASA Parkway on April 29. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 47 of 90 Crews move traffic lights to permit the plane to pass along East NASA Parkway on April 29. Crews move traffic lights to permit the plane to pass along East NASA Parkway on April 29. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 48 of 90 NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, continues its journey in Clear Lake late April 29. NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, continues its journey in Clear Lake late April 29.

Image 49 of 90 NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, continues its journey in Clear Lake late April 29. NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, continues its journey in Clear Lake late April 29.

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Image 51 of 90 NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, continues its journey in Clear Lake late April 29. NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, continues its journey in Clear Lake late April 29.

Image 52 of 90 NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, continues its journey in Clear Lake on April 29. NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, continues its journey in Clear Lake on April 29.

Image 53 of 90 NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, continues its journey in Clear Lake late April 29. NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, continues its journey in Clear Lake late April 29.

Image 54 of 90 NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, continues its journey in Clear Lake late April 29. NASA's Boeing 747, which ferried shuttles, continues its journey in Clear Lake late April 29.

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Image 56 of 90 Residents take photos of the move on April 28. Residents take photos of the move on April 28. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 57 of 90 Spectators watch the big move early Tuesday morning. Spectators watch the big move early Tuesday morning. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 58 of 90 A lineman prepares street lights to be raised so the NASA shuttle carrier can pass through Pineloch Drive. A lineman prepares street lights to be raised so the NASA shuttle carrier can pass through Pineloch Drive. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 59 of 90 Crews guide the jumbo jet along Highway 3 in Webster. Crews guide the jumbo jet along Highway 3 in Webster. Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Image 61 of 90 The NASA Shuttle Carrier Aircraft emerges from the fog near Pineloch Drive early Tuesday. The NASA Shuttle Carrier Aircraft emerges from the fog near Pineloch Drive early Tuesday. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 62 of 90 Onlookers watch as NASA's Boeing 747 makes its way along Highway 3 on April 28. Onlookers watch as NASA's Boeing 747 makes its way along Highway 3 on April 28. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 63 of 90 Residents take photos of the move. Residents take photos of the move. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 64 of 90 Crews guide the NASA jet to Highway 3. Crews guide the NASA jet to Highway 3. Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Image 66 of 90 Crews guide the NASA jet to Highway 3. Crews guide the NASA jet to Highway 3. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 67 of 90 The jet makes its way down the streets of Clear Lake. The jet makes its way down the streets of Clear Lake.

Image 68 of 90 The jet makes its way down the streets of Clear Lake. The jet makes its way down the streets of Clear Lake.

Image 69 of 90 The jet makes its way down the streets of Clear Lake. The jet makes its way down the streets of Clear Lake.

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Image 71 of 90 Wings for the jet Wings for the jet

Image 72 of 90 Crews guide the NASA Shuttle Carrier Aircraft along Highway 3, at Pineloch Drive, early Tuesday morning. Crews guide the NASA Shuttle Carrier Aircraft along Highway 3, at Pineloch Drive, early Tuesday morning. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 73 of 90 Monday evening prep for the shuttle's trek. Monday evening prep for the shuttle's trek.

Image 74 of 90 The Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which once ferried space shuttles, is seen before its nighttime trek through Clear Lake. The Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which once ferried space shuttles, is seen before its nighttime trek through Clear Lake.

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Image 76 of 90 The Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which once ferried space shuttles, is seen before its nighttime trek through Clear Lake on April 28. The Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which once ferried space shuttles, is seen before its nighttime trek through Clear Lake on April 28.

Image 77 of 90 Mario Mares, of Palletized Trucking Inc., walks beside the 22-axle trailer carrying the aircraft at Ellington Field. Mario Mares, of Palletized Trucking Inc., walks beside the 22-axle trailer carrying the aircraft at Ellington Field. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 78 of 90 Joey Westbrook, of Palletized Trucking Inc., guides the aircraft. Joey Westbrook, of Palletized Trucking Inc., guides the aircraft. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 79 of 90 The aircraft waits for transport near Highway 3. The aircraft waits for transport near Highway 3. Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Image 81 of 90 Wings for the NASA aircraft wait for transport near Highway 3. Wings for the NASA aircraft wait for transport near Highway 3. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 82 of 90 Joey Westbrook, of Palletized Trucking Inc., guides the aircraft to Highway 3. Joey Westbrook, of Palletized Trucking Inc., guides the aircraft to Highway 3. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 83 of 90 Westbrookand the aircraft Westbrookand the aircraft Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 84 of 90 Nathan Moeller holds a Texas flag near the jet at Ellington Field. Nathan Moeller holds a Texas flag near the jet at Ellington Field. Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Image 86 of 90 The Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which once ferried space shuttles, is seen before its nighttime trek through Clear Lake. The Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which once ferried space shuttles, is seen before its nighttime trek through Clear Lake.

Image 87 of 90 The Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which once ferried space shuttles, is seen before its nighttime trek through Clear Lake. The Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which once ferried space shuttles, is seen before its nighttime trek through Clear Lake.

Image 88 of 90 The Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which once ferried space shuttles, is seen before its nighttime trek through Clear Lake. The Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which once ferried space shuttles, is seen before its nighttime trek through Clear Lake.

Image 89 of 90 The Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which once ferried space shuttles, is seen before its nighttime trek through Clear Lake. The Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which once ferried space shuttles, is seen before its nighttime trek through Clear Lake.