Axis IP Video Will be Employed in Space Shuttle Endeavour's Final Landing

The LAPD faces distinct challenges as space shuttle Endeavour makes ground trip through downtown Los Angeles.

  • By Tyler Thurston
  • Oct 11, 2012
When the space shuttle Endeavour makes its final journey through downtown Los Angeles on October 12, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will have an extra hand in ensuring safety and security: the presence of Axis Communications IP video surveillance cameras. These cameras will transmit over a unique wireless mesh network to ensure the shuttle travels the final 12 miles safely during “Mission 26: The Big Endeavour” road trip.

In the passage from the Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center, the shuttle will travel across the 405 Freeway and through the busy streets of downtown Los Angeles. This expedition brings with it distinct challenges for the LAPD. Because the need for additional security is temporary, the LAPD will build a wireless mesh network, and then take a “leap-frog” approach with the surveillance cameras, uninstalling and reinstalling them as the shuttle makes its way past the first camera. 

“This leap-frog style, on-the-fly mesh network build-out is such a unique surveillance installation. It proves once again that the LAPD’s counter-terrorism and special operations bureau is at the forefront of using technology to protect the city’s people and assets,” said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager, Axis Communications, Inc. in a statement. 

Using Axis’ unique 720p HDTV quality AXIS P5534-E PTZ Dome Network Cameras and 108p HDTV quality AXIS Q6035-E PTZ Dome Network Cameras, the LAPD will be able to closely monitor the space shuttle’s journey day or night. The wireless mesh work, powered by Cobham technology, will work closely with the easy-to-install cameras to ensure no stone is unturned in the security of the space shuttle’s route. The live viewing of the event will be broadcast using Milestone XProtect Professional video management software. 

In a statement, Michael Downing, deputy chief of the Los Angeles Police Department and commanding officer of LAPD's Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau, echoed the need for this essential security. 

“Relying on Axis’ surveillance technology as we’ve done for many of the city’s biggest events removes typical IT and surveillance obstacles often present with critical yet impromptu security applications. With these worries eliminated, we can focus on our job: making sure the spectators remain safe with minimal disruption to the city and shuttle.”

About the Author

Tyler Thurston is an e-newsletter editor for 1105 Media.

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