How the STS-133 crew expanded the International Space Station

Space · Published 18 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Watch how the crew of the Discovery shuttle transferred essential supplies to the International Space Station, utilizing the Permanent Multipurpose Module to increase space for science and crew.

During Flight Day 8 of the STS-133 mission, the crew transferred approximately 7,500 pounds of cargo from the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) to the ISS. The PMM, which arrived with the Discovery shuttle, was designed to provide extra room for experiments and crew members.

The logistics of the ISS rely on a diverse fleet of international freighters and crew ships from agencies including NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, SpaceX, and Northrop Grumman.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• The final logistics of the Space Shuttle's journey to the ISS
• The logistics of orbital expansion: how Discovery fueled the ISS
• The final piece of the puzzle: Discovery completes the ISS
• The logistical backbone of orbital science: inside mission STS-131
• Commercial cargo ships are the lifeblood of the International Space Station's scientific research mission
• The final journey of the Space Shuttle Discovery
• A personal lens on the final milestones of a space mission
• The invisible stress of spaceflight requires literal metal reinforcements
• The rhythmic choreography of life aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis
• Preparing the Space Shuttle Endeavour for its final journey into orbit
• Preparing for liftoff: how space crews train for mission success
• The final dress rehearsal for the end of an era

More in Space agencies · More in Space · Latest · A–Z · All topics