Space Technology

By: Kirby Collins
If you haven't seen the Space Shuttle launch before, then you shouldn't wait any longer. NASA has been ordered to end the Space Shuttle program, thus the next five missions for the Space Shuttle teams will be their last, making it the priority of sub contractors and other third party space exploration companies to find a new way to shuttle people back and forth to and from the International Space Station.

Located in Cape Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center is the epicenter for everything related to space travel and exploration. From there will be your best viewing locations to watch one of the last 5 Space Shuttle Launches over this year. Other locations best suited to watch a launch in Brevard Country, FL, include Titusville, the southern area of Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island. Many of these locations have parks, restaurants and/or piers/docks to view the launch from afar.

The last five Space Shuttle missions will all have a priority of the continued assembly of the International Space Station; each mission will be marked with a prefix of STS and the mission number will range from 130 to 134. Only three Shuttles will take place in these missions, Endeavor and Discovery each taking part in two missions each, while the Atlantis only has a single mission.

Launch dates change frequently, be sure to check the Cape Canaveral Launch Schedule for launch updates and information.

Space Shuttle Endeavor - STS-130: In the 32nd flight to the International Space Station, the Space Shuttle Endeavor will be carrying the Tranquility Module and the Cupola, which is a robotic control station that will allow a 360-degree view around the ISS. Mission includes three Space Walks. Target Launch is February 7th, 2010, being the first launch of 2010.

Space Shuttle Discovery - STS-131: The Discovery will charter a payload known as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module. The mission will also commence the removal and replacement of an ammonia tank assembly on the outside of the station, as well as return the Lightweight Adapter Plate Assembly plate. The Discovery will be carrying many other on-board payloads as well, making it the largest payload since mission STS-107. Mission also includes three Space Walks. Target Launch is March 18, 2010.

Space Shuttle Atlantis - STS-131: This will be the final flight of Atlantis. The primary payload of the Atlantis will be the Russian Rassvet Mini-Research Module as well as an Integrated Cargo Carrier-Vertical Light Deployable, which houses a radiator, an airlock and a spare elbow for the European Robotic Arm. At least three Space Walks are planned and the Target Launch is May 14th, 2010.

Space Shuttle Endeavor - STS-134: This will be the final flight of Endeavor. This mission will consist of delivering spare parts, which include two S-band communications antennas, a high-pressure gas tank, as well as additional parts for the Dextre and micrometeoroid debris shields. The payload will also include Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and the third Express Logistics Carrier, all to be attached to the International Space Station. The Target Launch is July 29, 2010.

Space Shuttle Discovery - STS-133: This will be the final flight of Discovery as well as the final mission of the entire Space Shuttle Orbiter line of vessels and its program. The mission will charter the Pressurized Multipurpose Module as well as the fourth Express Logistics Carrier. The Target Launch will be July 29, 2010.

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