The logistics of moving a treadmill into orbit

Space · Published 22 October 2026 · Updated 22 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Space exploration is often framed as a series of heroic firsts, but much of it is heavy lifting. Mission STS-128 highlights the complex choreography required to ferry life support racks, science modules, and even a celebrity-named treadmill across 5.7 million miles of orbit.

On August 28, 2009, the space shuttle Discovery launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center to perform a critical logistics role. Representing the 37th voyage for this shuttle, it marked the 30th trip for a craft assigned solely to maintaining and building the International Space Station (ISS). The primary objective was a two-day chase to rendezvous and dock with the station, where the crew would spend 13 days transferring equipment.

The centerpiece of the cargo was the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module. This large container was secured inside Discovery's payload bay and packed with essential life support racks, science racks, and the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier. One of the more unique items destined for the station was a treadmill named after comedian Stephen Colbert, illustrating the mix of high-level science and human necessity required for long-duration spaceflight.

The mission demonstrated the necessity of orbital flexibility. Due to unfavorable weather conditions in Florida, the crew spent an extra day in orbit before opting to land at Edwards Air Force Base in California instead of the Kennedy Space Center. The shuttle completed a total of 5.7 million miles during its 13-day, 20-hour mission. After returning to Earth, the shuttle was transported back to Florida on a modified 747 known as the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.

The mission also served as a personnel transition point. Nicole Stott joined the crew to trade places with station resident Tim Kopra, who had arrived in space the previous month aboard the Endeavour. This relay system allowed for the continuous habitation and maintenance of the orbiting laboratory.

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 logistical backbone of orbital science: inside mission STS-131
• The logistical heavy lifting behind orbital science and space exploration
• The logistics of orbital expansion: how Discovery fueled the ISS
• The precise choreography of a 12-day journey to the stars
• The 6.5 million mile journey to complete a Japanese space lab
• The precise mechanics of maintaining life in low Earth orbit
• How Europe's new space-based camera tracks lightning strikes from 36,000 kilometers above Earth.
• The final voyage of a shuttle that traveled 120 million miles
• A milestone moment for two astronauts outside the International Space Station
• The final flight of a shuttle icon to the stars
• What does it feel like to live and work in orbit?
• A bicycle injury forced an unexpected seat change for a space shuttle

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