WASHINGTON, May 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. space shuttle Endeavor lifts off on Monday morning from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, which is the final scheduled flight for the spaceship. The following is a brief introduction to Endeavor's STS-134 mission.
Endeavor's 16-day mission will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) to the International Space Station. AMS, a particle physics detector, is designed to search for various types of unusual matter by measuring cosmic rays. Its experiments are designed to help researchers study the formation of the universe and search for evidence of dark matter, strange matter and antimatter.
Endeavor also will fly the a platform that carries spare parts, including two S-band communications antennas, a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for Canadian Dextre robotic arm. These spare parts will sustain space station operations once the shuttles are retired from service.
The mission will feature four spacewalks to do maintenance work and install new components. These are the last scheduled spacewalks by shuttle crew members.
Shuttle mission STS-134 is the 25th flight for Endeavor and the second to last flight for the Space Shuttle Program.
