Endeavour missions
Tuesday, 11 Mar 2008 14:26
Endeavour launches on one of its many missions
The background, statistics and current status of Nasa's space shuttle Endeavour.
What is Endeavour
Endeavour is Nasa's newest orbiter and has been operating since its first space flight in 1992.
It was ordered as a replacement for the orbiter Challenger and named after the ship that explorer James Cook sailed in the South Pacific during the 18th century.
Background
One of Endeavour's first assignments was to capture Intelsat VI, an orbiting, but not functioning, communications satellite, and replace its rocket motor. During this mission an unprecedented three-person spacewalk took place to make repairs.
Endeavour was also the first orbiter to use a drag-chute during landing. This chute reduces the orbiter's roll-out distance by 1,000 to 2,000 feet and is one of many technical improvements made to Endeavour.
Recent missions
In August last year Endeavour launched into space for the first time since 2002 after undergoing extensive modifications to ensure it reaches the safety standards of its counterparts Atlantis and Discovery.
During the 11-day mission the crew conducted four spacewalks to install a truss for solar panels and replaced a gyroscope which helps orientation of the space station.
Endeavour also delivered several tonnes of cargo to the expedition 15 crew onboard the ISS.
The spacecraft took the first teacher-astronaut into space. Mission specialist Barbara Morgan was first selected by Nasa in 1985 as the back-up to teacher in space Christa McAuliffe, who died in the 1986 Challenger tragedy.
While in space Ms Morgan answered questions from students to further young people's interest in studying science.
Current status
Endeavour launched from Florida's Kennedy Space Centre on March 11th on a mission to deliver the Kibo Japanese Experiment Logistics Module to the International Space Station.
During the mission – the longest of its kind – Endeavour's seven astronauts and the ISS crew will install the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, known as Dextre.
The first Kibo instalment, the Experiment Logistics Module-Pressurised Section (ELM-PS) will hold experiment samples, maintenance tools and other spare items that will be used in the Kibo laboratory.
JAXA says the delivery of the ELM-PS is a significant event that will mark a major advancement in Japan's space development activities.
Dextre will be attached to the ISS' robotic arm to handle smaller components typically requiring a spacewalking astronaut.
At the tip of each arm is a 'hand' that consists of retractable jaws used to grip objects.
After the mission Garrett Reisman will replace current station crew member Leopold Eyharts, who has lived on the outpost since early February.
Mr Reisman will return to Earth on shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission, targeted for launch on May 25th, 2008.