This may be a bit early, but there are mitigating circumstances...
The Space Shuttle mission STS-134 is due to launch on the 19th April 2011. If it does launch as planned, then in may be the last Shuttle mission, ever.
The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) "will use the unique environment of space to advance knowledge of the universe and lead to the understanding of the universe’s origin".
Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer
Assuming everything goes swimmingly for Endeavour, STS-134 may well be the last Shuttle mission. Atlantis is earmarked as mission STS-135 as a rescue mission, if anything goes pear-shaped for Endeavour and the crew requires a lift back to Earth.
Of course, when it comes to NASA and US funding, things may change. It could be that Atlantis may well be the last mission in June 2011, but as things stand STS-134 is the last Shuttle mission.
So, as Endeavour's launch on the 19th April may be the last, it may be worth keeping an eye on the launch, as will be history in the making....
Keep an eye on CTA, as there will probably be regular updates.
The Space Shuttle mission STS-134 is due to launch on the 19th April 2011. If it does launch as planned, then in may be the last Shuttle mission, ever.
NASA - STS 134During 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. This will be the 36th shuttle mission to the International Space Station.
The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) "will use the unique environment of space to advance knowledge of the universe and lead to the understanding of the universe’s origin".
Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer
Assuming everything goes swimmingly for Endeavour, STS-134 may well be the last Shuttle mission. Atlantis is earmarked as mission STS-135 as a rescue mission, if anything goes pear-shaped for Endeavour and the crew requires a lift back to Earth.
Shuttle for "Need" Final MissionBased on recommendations made after the loss of space shuttle Columbia in February 2003, NASA has trained a launch on need crew to be ready to fly in the event of irreparable damage to a shuttle while in orbit. Typically, the next crew to fly serves as the rescue crew for the current mission. The STS-335 crew will prepare for a potential rescue mission and preserve flexibility if another shuttle flight is added to the launch manifest.
“These astronauts will begin training immediately as a rescue crew as well as in the baseline requirements that would be needed to fly an additional shuttle flight," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate in Washington. "The normal training template for a shuttle crew is about one year prior to launch, so we need to begin training now in order to maintain the flexibility of flying a rescue mission if needed, or alter course and fly an additional shuttle mission if that decision is made."
If required, the STS-335 rescue mission would launch on shuttle Atlantis in June 2011 to bring home the STS-134 crew from the International Space Station. STS-134 currently is scheduled to lift off on Feb. 26, 2011, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. If converted to an additional shuttle flight, STS-335 would be redesignated STS-135 and targeted to launch in June 2011.
Of course, when it comes to NASA and US funding, things may change. It could be that Atlantis may well be the last mission in June 2011, but as things stand STS-134 is the last Shuttle mission.
So, as Endeavour's launch on the 19th April may be the last, it may be worth keeping an eye on the launch, as will be history in the making....

Keep an eye on CTA, as there will probably be regular updates.
