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.