STS-126

Mission Profile

Overview

STS-126, designated logistics flight ULF2, was the mission that turned the International Space Station into a six-person home. Endeavour carried the Italian-built Leonardo cargo module packed with roughly 14,000 pounds of habitation gear — extra crew quarters, a second galley and toilet, a new exercise machine, and crucially the Water Recovery System that recycles urine into drinking water. Among the crew was Don Pettit, the famously inventive engineer-astronaut making his second flight; he choreographed the cargo transfers and ran science aboard the station. Over four demanding spacewalks the crew cleaned and lubricated the jammed starboard Solar Alpha Rotary Joint, restoring full solar-tracking power. The flight also swapped Expedition crew member Sandra Magnus up for Greg Chamitoff, who returned home after nearly six months in orbit.

Crew

Key Milestones

1. 2008-11-15

   Endeavour launches from KSC Pad 39A on logistics flight ULF2

2. 2008-11-16

   Endeavour docks with the ISS; Leonardo module later berthed

3. 2008-11-18

   First of four EVAs begins SARJ cleaning and lubrication

4. 2008-11-28

   Endeavour undocks after delivering habitation upgrades for a six-person crew

5. 2008-11-30

   Endeavour lands at Edwards Air Force Base, Runway 4L

Key Achievements

• Delivered the equipment that enabled the ISS to support a permanent six-person crew

• Installed the Water Recovery System that recycles urine and condensate into drinking water

• Completed four spacewalks to clean and lubricate the failing starboard solar rotary joint

Related Missions

Sources

1. NASA — STS-126
2. NASASpaceflight — STS-126 launch coverage
3. Wikipedia — STS-126