STS-118

STS-118 was a Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station (ISS) flown by the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The mission launched on August 8, 2007, and landed on August 21, 2007. The primary objectives of STS-118 were to deliver and install the S5 truss segment to the ISS, replace a malfunctioning gyroscope, and transfer supplies and equipment to the station.

The crew of STS-118 consisted of seven astronauts: Scott Kelly (Commander), Charles Hobaugh (Pilot), Tracy Caldwell Dyson (Mission Specialist 1), Richard Mastracchio (Mission Specialist 2), Dafydd Williams (Mission Specialist 3 - Canadian Space Agency), Barbara Morgan (Mission Specialist 4), and Benjamin Drew (Mission Specialist 5). Barbara Morgan, a former teacher, was notable for having been selected as Christa McAuliffe's backup for the ill-fated STS-51-L mission (Challenger).

STS-118 involved several spacewalks (EVAs) to perform the installation and repair work on the ISS. The mission also carried the ESP-3 (External Stowage Platform 3) to the ISS. The mission experienced a minor incident when a piece of foam insulation detached from the orbiter during launch, a concern that had been addressed following the Columbia disaster. While the damage was assessed, it did not pose a significant threat to the mission's safe return.