Discovery's final voyage: the end of an era for space exploration

Space · Published 19 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Space shuttle Discovery concluded its storied career with a 13-day mission that served as both a final triumph and a logistical milestone. While it marked the end of the shuttle program, the mission ensured the International Space Station remained a viable laboratory for future human research.

The STS-133 mission, launched on February 24, 2011, served as the final flight for the space shuttle Discovery. This concluding chapter of the shuttle program was a high-stakes logistical operation aimed at fortifying the International Space Station (ISS). The primary objective was the installation of the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM), a critical piece of infrastructure designed to provide additional space and functionality for the orbiting laboratory. This flight marked the 39th mission for the shuttle. The craft departed from Launch Pad 39A. It carried a total launch weight of 262,309 pounds.

Beyond the PMM, the crew—led by Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe—carried out a complex series of tasks. They delivered the EXPRESS Logistics Carrier 4 (ELC4), which transported essential spare components for the station. A notable highlight of the mission was the delivery of R2, the first human-like robot intended to become a permanent resident of the ISS. The crew also performed two spacewalks to outfit the new module and prepare the station for continued scientific research. Alvin Drew, Michael Barratt, Nicole Stott, and Steve Bowen were among the specialists on board. They worked to set up the orbiting laboratory for future research.

The flight was characterized by its precision, lasting approximately 12 days, 19 hours, and 4 minutes. During this time, Discovery traveled roughly 5.3 million miles. The mission concluded on March 9, 2011, with a landing at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. For many, the landing was a somber milestone; NASA officials and crew members reflected on the shuttle's legacy, noting that while the vehicle's era was ending, its contributions were foundational to the future of space exploration. The shuttle flew at an altitude of 122 nautical miles. Its flight path maintained an inclination of 51.6 degrees. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden was present at the landing site.

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