Endeavour Space Shuttle Launch (LIVE COVERAGE)

Welcome to International Business Times' coverage of the space shuttle Endeavour's final launch. It is the 25th and final mission for NASA's baby shuttle and the penultimate mission for the space shuttle program.

It features commander Mark Kelly, husband of congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was nearly shot to death earlier this year. Kelly will be leading his team on a 16-day mission, which will see them 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 to the International Space Station.

After it finishes up, NASA will conclude the space shuttle program with the Atlantis. Following that, the three remaining space shuttles and a fourth prototype will head to museums.