STS-134 marked the end of an era for one of NASA’s most reliable and accomplished orbiters, the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Launched on May 16, 2011, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, this mission was the 25th and final flight of Endeavour, and the second-to-last mission in NASA’s Space Shuttle Program before its official retirement. Commanded by astronaut Mark Kelly, STS-134 symbolized both technological achievement and the closing chapter of a program that had defined American space exploration for three decades.
The mission’s primary goal was to deliver and install the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) and the Express Logistics Carrier-3 (ELC-3) to the International Space Station (ISS). The AMS-02, a $2 billion particle physics experiment, was designed to study cosmic rays and help scientists understand more about dark matter, antimatter, and the origins of the universe. Its installation represented a significant collaboration between NASA and international partners, including the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). The Express Logistics Carrier provided spare parts, tools, and hardware for the continued maintenance of the ISS.
The crew of STS-134 consisted of six astronauts: Commander Mark Kelly, Pilot Gregory H. Johnson, and Mission Specialists Michael Fincke, Gregory Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel, and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori from Italy. Their work during the 16-day mission was both demanding and historic. The team performed four spacewalks totaling more than 28 hours, completing vital maintenance tasks and upgrades to the station’s systems. Among the highlights was the installation of a power and data grapple fixture on the ISS, which allowed the station’s robotic arm greater flexibility in handling external payloads.
The launch itself was delayed several times due to technical issues, including a problem with one of the orbiter’s auxiliary power units. These delays heightened public interest and drew attention to the fact that this would be one of the last opportunities to witness a shuttle launch. When Endeavour finally lifted off, it carried not just equipment and crew, but also the collective pride and nostalgia of a generation that had grown up with the shuttle program.
Mark Kelly’s participation added a deeply human element to the mission. His wife, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, had survived an assassination attempt just months before the launch. Her remarkable recovery and presence at the Kennedy Space Center to witness liftoff brought emotional weight and inspiration to the event, reminding many of the courage and resilience that define space exploration itself.
After completing its objectives, Endeavour landed safely at Kennedy Space Center on June 1, 2011, concluding a journey that spanned over 122 million miles across its 25 missions. In its career, the shuttle contributed to the construction of the ISS, deployed satellites, and conducted scientific experiments that expanded humanity’s understanding of space.
Today, Endeavour is displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, where it continues to inspire future generations. STS-134 remains a fitting farewell—a mission that celebrated international cooperation, scientific discovery, and the enduring human drive to explore beyond our planet.
