The final voyage of a space shuttle icon begins April 29

Space · Published 18 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: After decades of orbital service, the space shuttle Endeavour is preparing for its ultimate departure. This isn't just another mission; it is the closing chapter of an era in human spaceflight, carrying both critical infrastructure and a multi-billion dollar quest to decode the mysteries of dark matter.

NASA officials officially designated April 29 as the launch date for Endeavour's final flight, STS-134. The decision followed a rigorous Flight Readiness Review where managers scrutinized every detail of the mission plan to identify potential delays. With no issues found, the team moved forward with a target liftoff time of 3:47 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The mission serves as a dual purpose for NASA: logistical maintenance and high-level scientific exploration. The crew—led by Commander Mark Kelly and including astronauts from both NASA and the European Space Agency—will deliver spare parts to the International Space Station (ISS). This will involve four intensive spacewalks to install upgrades and maintain the orbiting laboratory, ensuring its continued operation.

Beyond maintenance, STS-134 carries a $2 billion astrophysics experiment: the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer. This sophisticated instrument is designed to detect unique high-energy particles in space. Scientists hope the data gathered will provide vital insights into dark matter, one of the universe's most elusive and significant mysteries. It represents a final, ambitious scientific legacy for the Endeavour before its career concludes.

The human element of the mission adds a layer of personal significance. Commander Mark Kelly leads a crew that includes Roberto Vittori of the European Space Agency. The launch also carries emotional weight, as Kelly hoped his wife, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, could attend from Florida while she underwent rehabilitation following an assassination attempt in January.

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