STS-100 Mission Patch

Embroidered 4-inch patch representing STS-100, a Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station flown by space shuttle Endeavour.

STS-100, launched on April 19, 2001, was a high-profile assembly mission to the International Space Station (ISS) utilizing the orbiter Endeavour. The mission's primary objective was the delivery and installation of Canadarm2, the station's sophisticated 57-foot-long robotic arm, which remains a cornerstone of ISS operations today. The diverse international crew, representing the U.S., Canada, Italy, and Russia, also delivered the Italian-built Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, packed with over 6,000 pounds of experiments and supplies. During the 12-day mission, astronauts Chris Hadfield (the first Canadian to perform a spacewalk) and Scott Parazynski conducted two demanding EVAs to unfurl the robotic arm and connect its sophisticated power and data electronics.

Despite a significant computer failure on the ISS that briefly interrupted communications, the crew successfully activated the arm, marking a leap in the station's ability to self-assemble and handle heavy cargo. The mission concluded with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base after Endeavour traveled roughly 4.9 million miles.