STS-134 is the penultimate voyage of the Space
Shuttle. This flight will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer
and an ExPRESS Logistics Carrier to the International Space Station.
Space Shuttle launch date is 29 April 2011.
The STS-134 mission marks 25th flight of Endeavour, 134th shuttle mission since
STS-1, the 36th shuttle mission to the International Space Station (ISS assembly
flight ULF6), the 21st post-Columbia mission, the 109th post-Challenger mission
and the 165th NASA manned space flight.
Mission:
During the 14-day mission, Endeavour will deliver the Alpha Magnetic
Spectrometer (AMS) and spare parts including two S-band communications antennas,
a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for Dextre and micrometeoroid
debris shields. Four spacewalks (EVAs) are scheduled during the flight.
Mission Payload:
The mission will deliver Express Logistics Carrier-3 (ELC-3) and the Alpha
Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), spare parts, a high-pressure gas tank, additional
spare parts for Dextre and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International
Space Station.
* Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer
The AMS-02 experiment is a state-of-the-art particle physics detector
constructed, tested and operated by an international team composed of 56
institutes from 16 countries and organized under United States Department of
Energy (DOE) sponsorship. The JSC project office oversees and directs the
overall payload integration activities and ensures that the payload is safe and
ready for launch on the Space Shuttle and deployment onto the ISS. The AMS
Experiment will use the unique environment of space to advance knowledge of the
universe and lead to the understanding of the universe’s origin. Johnson Space
Center is home to the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer Project Office.
* ExPRESS Logistics Carrier 3
The ExPRESS Logistics Carrier 3 (ELC3) will carry several Orbital Replacement
Units (ORU) that are too large or too heavy for other spacecraft to carry to the
International Space Station.
* Materials on International Space Station Experiment
The STS-134 mission will deliver the Materials on International Space Station
Experiment 8 (MISSE) experiments and will return MISSE 7 to earth. MISSE 7 has
been on the ISS since its delivery on STS-129.
*
GLACIER Freezer Module
STS-134 will carry a new Glacier to the ISS and will
return two old ones. The Glacier units are used to store and return science
samples on the space shuttle.
History
NASA announced the STS-134 crew on 10 August 2009.
Crew:
The STS-134 crew members are:
1. Mark Kelly (Commander)
2. Gregory H. Johnson (Pilot)
3. Michael Fincke (Mission Specialist)
4. Greg Chamitoff (Mission Specialist)
5. Andrew Feuste
6. Roberto Vittori (European Space Agency astronaut)
