Article Posted on : - Mar 14, 2011

Endeavour at launch pad. A NASA photo

CAPE CANAVERAL (BNS): NASA space shuttle Endeavour has moved to the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida as it prepares to embark on its last space mission next month.

The shuttle arrived at the launch pad on March 11, two days later than previously scheduled due to potential lightening and storms in the area. Ground workers and technicians began preparing the shuttle for its final flight, NASA said.

Six astronauts will be launched on board the spacecraft on April 19 on a 14 day mission to the International Space Station.

During the 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 to the orbital laboratory, NASA said.

Endeavour will be the second NASA shuttle to retire after Discovery which successfully completed its final space mission and touched down Earth on March 9.

The flight of Endeavour will be followed by shuttle Atlantis’ launch on June 28 to deliver spare parts and extra supplies to the ISS.

NASA is retiring all the three winged orbiters later this year after 30 years of shuttle flight.