The retired space shuttle Endeavour rolled through Los Angeles on Friday, squeezing through narrow streets as it headed to its new home at the California Science Center.

Endeavour nosed out of LA's airport before dawn to begin the two-day, 12-mile journey atop a massive wheeled transporter.

The shuttle, which flew from 1992 to 2011, was largely built in southern California and was a workhorse of the US space programme, flying 25 missions.

"I grew up in central Florida and saw many shuttle launches, but this is the first time I've ever been up close to one," said Stephen Caldwell, who was in town on business.

"This really is a big part of American history and to be able to see it here is really special," he added.

Standing five stories tall at the tail, the shuttle is 37 meters long and 24 metres wide, which police say makes it the largest object ever to move through Los Angeles.