Final Flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour
May 16th, 2011
May 16th, 2011
How Long Ago?
13 years, 9 months, 27 days ago
Location
Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
Category
Space Exploration
People
- Catherine Coleman
- Michael Barratt
- Mark Kelly
- Gregory Johnson
- Andrew Feustel
- Roberto Vittori
Links & References
- Space Shuttle Endeavour
- Kennedy Space Center
- Space Shuttle
- STS-134
- Assembly of the International Space Station
Tags
Final Flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour
This mission completed assembly work on the ISS by delivering the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 and Express Logistics Carrier-3. Launched from Kennedy Space Center, Endeavour's crew conducted various tasks, crucial for enhancing the station’s capabilities. Timed for a fifteen-day mission, it marked the end of Endeavour's service after a distinguished career spanning 25 years, making significant contributions to space exploration and research.
Endeavour flew 25 missions during its career.
AMS-2 studies dark matter and cosmic rays.
The shuttle program ended after this mission.
Launch marked an important ISS assembly step.
What Happened?
STS-134 represented Endeavour's last journey into space, showcasing NASA's continued efforts in building and expanding the International Space Station (ISS). Launched on this mission on May 16, 2011, the shuttle carried several critical payloads, including the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS-2), a particle physics experiment designed to study dark matter, and the Express Logistics Carrier-3 (ELC-3), which provided additional storage for spare parts needed on the ISS. This mission was significant as it involved collaboration among international partners in the ongoing use of the ISS for scientific research and technology demonstration.
The Endeavour was also the first shuttle to feature a number of upgrades over its lifetime. During the flight, the six-member crew, commanded by Mark Kelly, conducted numerous spacewalks to install new equipment and perform maintenance on the station. With launches and landings being broadcast to a global audience, STS-134 captured significant public attention, highlighting advancements in human spaceflight and international cooperation in space exploration.
As the final flight of Endeavour, this mission resonated deeply with both NASA and the general public, symbolizing the closing of a significant chapter in the shuttle program. The success of STS-134 contributed to the ISS's operational capabilities, helping to lay the groundwork for future scientific research that would continue in low Earth orbit long after Endeavour's retirement.
Why Does it Matter?
The completion of STS-134 is notable not only for the impressive engineering behind the shuttle program but also for its role in supporting the ISS as a unique laboratory for scientific study. The inclusion of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer in this final mission highlighted the ongoing quest for knowledge about the universe. The successful deployment and operation of AMS-2 are expected to yield groundbreaking data, confirming or challenging existing theories in physics and beyond, making this launch pivotal for future discoveries.
Discover More Historic Events from May 16th
Explosions in Gikomba Market Cause Casualties
In Nairobi's Gikomba market, two explosions occurred, resulting in the deaths of twelve individuals and injuring several others. The blasts struck a busy marketplace during the day, catching the unsuspecting crowd by surprise. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people fleeing for safety and vendors scrambling to assist the wounded. The attacks were perceived to be part of a larger trend of violence and insecurity that has plagued the region, attributed to militant groups operating in the area.
Continue ReadingKuwait Approves Women's Voting Rights
In a pivotal vote, Kuwait's National Assembly approved women's suffrage with a result of 35 in favor and 23 against. This marked a significant step towards gender equality in the Gulf nation, enabling women to participate fully in the political process. The initiative was driven by activists and local organizations advocating for women's rights, aiming to enhance their societal roles. The decision reflected changing attitudes towards women's rights in Kuwait, influencing broader discussions about gender in the region.
Continue ReadingCasablanca terrorist attacks kill 33 civilians
In a series of coordinated suicide bombings in Casablanca, 33 civilians lost their lives and over 100 were injured. The attacks targeted multiple locations, including a restaurant and a community center, presenting a calculated effort to instill fear amidst Morocco's efforts to showcase stability and promote tourism. In retaliation, the Moroccan government launched a campaign against terrorism and extremism, seeking to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Continue ReadingMobutu Sese Seko Flees Zaire Amid Rebellion
Mobutu Sese Seko, the long-time dictator of Zaire, fled his country as rebel forces led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila seized the capital city, Kinshasa. Facing overwhelming opposition and a collapse of his regime, he left for exile in Morocco on May 16, 1997. This exit marked a significant turning point in Zaire’s tumultuous history, signaling the end of Mobutu's nearly 32-year rule characterized by corruption and authoritarianism.
Continue ReadingQueen Elizabeth II Addresses U.S. Congress
Queen Elizabeth II delivered a historic address to a joint session of the United States Congress, becoming the first British monarch to do so. The address took place in the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., and highlighted the strong ties between the United Kingdom and the United States. In her speech, she reflected on shared values and the importance of friendship between the two nations, celebrating their cooperation in various global matters. The event was marked by a sense of unity and respect, garnering significant attention from both American and British media outlets.
Continue ReadingSurgeon General declares nicotine addiction parallels
In a landmark report, Surgeon General C. Everett Koop presented findings illustrating the addictive nature of nicotine, drawing parallels to heroin and cocaine. This assertion was aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and the compelling nature of nicotine dependence. Released during a period of increasing anti-smoking initiatives, the report signified a pivotal shift in public health messaging, alarming both the public and policymakers about the physiological and psychological grips of tobacco addiction. The report was intended to foster greater understanding and awareness of addiction to tobacco, advocating for stronger regulations and interventions.
Continue Reading