This was the first flight of "Endeavour" since STS-113 in November 2002, which was also the last successful shuttle flight before STS-107 which culminated in the loss of "Columbia" when it disintegrated during reentry. STS-118 pilot Charles Hobaugh had been the entry team CAPCOM for STS-107. "Columbia" had originally been selected for this flight, for what would have been its 29th mission, and its first and likely only visit to the ISS, mainly due to its heavier weight.