Endeavour’s final flight delivered critical tools for the International Space Station

Space · Published 11 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In May 2011, the Space Shuttle Endeavour embarked on its 25th and final mission. Beyond being a farewell flight, it was a vital logistics run, carrying the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 and essential hardware to support the growing International Space Station.

Launched from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on May 16, 2011, Endeavour's mission was dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. The crew included Commander Mark Kelly and five specialists: Gregory H. Johnson, Michael Fincke, Greg Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel, and Roberto Vittori. Notably, Vittori became the last international astronaut to fly aboard a space shuttle. The crew consisted of six members in total. This group included five specialists alongside the commander.

The mission's primary payload was the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), an instrument designed to study cosmic particles. Besides the AMS, the shuttle transported vital equipment such as two antennas for communications, a tank for high-pressure gas, and replacement components for the Dextre robot. The mission also included a test of the Sensor Test for Orion Relative Navigation Risk Mitigation (STORRM), an automated rendezvous and docking system. The shuttle also carried a high-pressure gas tank. These supplies were essential for the station's ongoing operations.

After a two-day orbital chase, Endeavour arrived at the International Space Station on May 18, 2011, at 12:14 CEST. Following leak tests, the hatches were opened at 13:38 CEST, allowing the shuttle crew to join the Expedition 27 crew, which included ESA's Paolo Nespoli. This 16-day mission concluded with Endeavour landing on June 1, 2011, marking the end of an illustrious career that saw the orbiter orbit Earth 4,671 times. The orbiter touched down on Runway 15. This landing occurred at 2:35 a.m. following the deorbit burn.

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