The 16-day mission includes four spacewalks. Vittori will be the last international astronaut to fly aboard a shuttle.Įndeavour is scheduled to dock to the station at 6:15 a.m. This is the first shuttle flight for Fincke and Vittori. Johnson and Mission Specialists Mike Fincke, Drew Feustel, Greg Chamitoff and Roberto Vittori of the European Space Agency. 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.” “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. “Today’s final launch of Endeavour is a testament to American ingenuity and leadership in human spaceflight,” NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. 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. AMS is a particle physics detector designed to search for various types of unusual cosmic matter. 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. To all the millions watching today including our spouses, children, family and friends, we thank you for your support.” “It is in the DNA of our great country to reach for the stars and explore. “This mission represents the power of teamwork, commitment and exploration,” Commander Mark Kelly said shortly before liftoff. The STS-134 mission is the penultimate orbiter flight and the final one for shuttle 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 8:56 a.m.

Space shuttle endeavour launch