The final inspection before a shuttle's last voyage into orbit
In short: Before space shuttle Discovery launched on its final mission, the crew underwent rigorous equipment interface testing. This wasn't just a walkthrough; it was a meticulous verification of the hardware that would carry them into the final chapter of one of NASA's most storied orbital programs.
On July 9 and 10, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-133 crew performed critical inspections of mission hardware and flight equipment. This preparation was essential for Discovery’s final scheduled flight, which targeted a November 1 launch date. Steve Lindsey led as Commander, while Eric Boe served as Pilot; Mission Specialists included Nicole Stott, Michael Barratt, Tim Kopra, and Alvin Drew.
The mission served as the grand finale for the space shuttle program's most recognizable vehicle. During its 13-day flight, which lasted exactly 12 days, 19 hours, 4 minutes, and 50 seconds, Discovery traveled approximately 5.3 million miles. The primary objective was to attach a Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) to the International Space Station, alongside an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier 4 (ELC4).
The crew successfully completed two spacewalks and outfitted the new module for station residents, ensuring the orbiting laboratory could continue research. Discovery launched on February 24, 2011, with a weight of 262,309 pounds, and returned to Kennedy Space Center on March 9, 2011. This flight marked the conclusion of Discovery's 39 missions into orbit, ending an era of orbital logistics and construction.
The landing was described as virtually flawless, with Commander Lindsey guiding the shuttle onto the runway at 11:57 a.m. EST. The event was characterized by a mix of reflection and celebration, as officials including Administrator Charles Bolden joined the crew to mark the end of Discovery's service history.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Last Discovery Crew Inspects Flight Hardware
- Also: STS-133 - NASA
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