Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on Mission STS-126 to support the ongoing construction of the International Space Station (ISS), a significant multi-national collaborative project aimed at fostering scientific research in microgravity. The shuttle took off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying a crew of seven astronauts, including Commander Christopher Ferguson and Pilot Eric Boe. The primary objective of the mission was the delivery of the Japanese Experiment Module, known as Kibo, which would be utilized for research and experiment activities aboard the ISS. This mission represented an essential step in assembling the various international modules, which featured unique capabilities for scientific investigations in fields ranging from biology to material science.

During the mission, the crew conducted spacewalks to install and configure the Kibo module and other hardware, showcasing the complexity and the teamwork required for the assembly of the ISS. The Endeavour was equipped with protective thermal tiles and state-of-the-art avionics to ensure safety during ascent and re-entry. The successful launch and installation of Kibo allowed Japan to play an integral role in the ISS program, contributing valuable facilities for scientists worldwide to conduct critical research.

STS-126 also emphasized the shuttle's reliability and technological advancements, as it was the last shuttle mission to fly with an entire set of upgraded systems before the shuttle program concluded in 2011. As the space station grew, so did international collaboration in space exploration, paving the way for future missions to the Moon and Mars as part of NASA’s journey to reach farther into the solar system.