STS-134

STS -134 (English Space Transportation System) is a mission for the U.S. Space Shuttle Endeavour ( OV- 105), NASA. Their main task was the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and the Express Logistics Carrier 3 to carry and install it there to the International Space Station (ISS). In addition, the orbiter boom sensor system of the shuttle was left behind on the space station.

The launch took place at 12:57 UTC on May 16, 2011. The planning after it was the penultimate flight of the space shuttle program, and the last flight of the space shuttle Endeavour.

Prehistory

The funding for this flight modules were originally taken from the flight plan after President Bush had given after the Columbia tragedy, the end of the space shuttle program at the end of the U.S. fiscal year 2010 on September 30, 2010. Subsequently, the Constellation program should be promoted. However, since a lot of money had already been invested in the development of the modules, the U.S. government asked NASA for financial year 2009, the financial resources for another flight. His goal is, according to the relevant regulation, " scientific equipment to the International Space Station to bring ."

The originally scheduled for end of July 2010 intended takeoff had to be now moved back behind the STS -133 launch due to the transformation of the main payload, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.

Team

NASA gave the team on 11 August 2009 announced:

  • Mark Kelly (4th space flight), Commander
  • Gregory H. Johnson ( second space flight), Pilot
  • Michael Fincke ( third space flight), Mission Specialist
  • Greg Chamitoff ( second space flight), Mission Specialist
  • Andrew Feustel ( second space flight), Mission Specialist
  • Roberto Vittori ( third space flight), Mission Specialist (ESA / Italy).

Replacement

Rick Sturckow ( 5 spacecraft ) was nominated as a reserve commander, after Kelly's wife Gabrielle Giffords was seriously wounded by the attack perpetrated on them on January 8, 2011. The move was proposed by Kelly himself, but he took his responsibilities as commander since February 7, again true.

Payload

STS -134 carried two large payloads to the ISS: The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, a particle of the universe, and ELC -3, a support structure having different spare parts and scientific equipment. In addition, the material and technological experiment, MISSE - 8 is in the payload bay of Endeavour. In the middle deck further scientific equipment and supplies are transported.

Fly Your Face in Space

On the missions STS -133 and STS -134 NASA offered under the slogan Fly Your Face in Space on a dedicated website, the ability to upload a photo that was shot with in the universe.

Mission History

On April 29, the first launch attempt took place. However, he had to be canceled because a heating element in the fuel line to one of the three hydraulic pressure generator (APU - Auxiliary Power Unit, German auxiliary power unit ) failed. The error analysis showed that the problem was probably caused by a defect in an electronics box. As the exchange this box - including subsequent tests - is very time consuming, could not take place before 16 May, the start.

On 16 May 2011 at 14:56 CEST ( 12:56 UTC) launched the shuttle finally as planned.

On May 18, 2011 at 12:14 CEST ( 10:14 UTC), the Endeavour docked with the ISS. Was carried out as with most emissions this shuttle to the coupling adapter 2, PMA, which is attached to the Harmony module. The connection valves were opened at 13:38 CEST.

While the Endeavour was docked, took off the Soyuz TMA -20, so that from there outside shots of a shuttle docked at the station were the first time.

On 1 June 2011 at 08:35 clock CEST ( 06:35 UTC clock ) landed the Endeavour on Runway 15 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, ending their active service.

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