Mon, May 16, 2011
Final Mission For Endeavour
Space shuttle Commander Mark Kelly and his five crewmates are on
their way to the International Space Station after launching from
NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 0856 EDT Monday. The STS-134 mission
is the penultimate orbiter flight and the final one for shuttle
Endeavour. "This mission represents the power of teamwork,
commitment and exploration," Commander Mark Kelly said shortly
before liftoff. "It is in the DNA of our great country to reach for
the stars and explore. We must not stop. To all the millions
watching today including our spouses, children, family and friends,
we thank you for your support."
The crew will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS)
and critical supplies to the space station, including two
communications antennas, a high-pressure gas tank and additional
parts for the Dextre robot. AMS is a particle physics detector
designed to search for various types of unusual cosmic matter. The
crew also will transfer Endeavour's orbiter boom sensor system to
the station, where it could assist spacewalkers as an extension for
the station's robotic arm.
"Today's final launch of Endeavour is a testament to American
ingenuity and leadership in human spaceflight," NASA Administrator
Charles Bolden said. "As we look toward a bright future with the
International Space Station as our anchor and new destinations in
deep space on the horizon, we salute the astronauts and ground
crews who have ensured the orbiter's successful missions. The
presence of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords at the launch inspired
us all, just as America's space program has done for the past 50
years."
Kelly's crewmates are Pilot Greg H. Johnson and Mission
Specialists Mike Fincke, Drew Feustel, Greg Chamitoff and Roberto
Vittori of the European Space Agency. This is the first shuttle
flight for Fincke and Vittori. Vittori will be the last
international astronaut to fly aboard a shuttle.
Launch Viewed From Neptune Beach, FL
Endeavour is scheduled to dock to the station at 0615 EDT on
Wednesday. The 16-day mission includes four spacewalks. After
undocking to return to Earth, Kelly and Johnson will ease the
shuttle back toward the station to test new sensor technologies
that could facilitate the docking of future space vehicles to the
station. The shuttle's first landing opportunity at Kennedy is
scheduled for 0232 EDT on June 1. STS-134 is the 134th shuttle
flight, the 25th flight for Endeavour and the 36th shuttle mission
dedicated to station assembly and maintenance.
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