The final curtain call for the space shuttle Discovery

Space · Published 19 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: On March 9, 2011, the space shuttle Discovery landed at Kennedy Space Center, marking the end of an era. This 13-day mission was not just another flight, but a vital closing chapter that delivered essential hardware to the International Space Station.

STS-133 served as the 39th and final mission for the space shuttle Discovery. A seven-person team, featuring Pilot Eric Boe, Commander Steve Lindsey, and Mission Specialists Steve Bowen, Michael Barratt, Nicole Stott, and Alvin Drew, departed Pad 39A on February 24, 2011. The mission was a heavy lift, with a launch weight of 262,309 pounds. Alvin Drew, a mission specialist, contributed vital skills to the journey, having held the role of Director of Operations at Russia's Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre from January to November 2009. His experience included over 305 hours in space, including a prior flight on STS-118 in 2007.

The primary objective of the flight was to expand the capabilities of the International Space Station. The crew successfully attached the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) and the EXPRESS Logistics Carrier 4 (ELC4) to the orbiting laboratory. Through two intense spacewalks, the team also installed a platform containing spare parts and outfitted the new module to ensure the station remained a viable site for ongoing research. This specific flight was part of the ULF5 series, representing the 35th station flight. The crew's work was vital for the station's long-term functionality, as noted by NASA's associate administrator of Space Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier.

During its 12-day journey, the shuttle traveled approximately 5.3 million miles at an altitude of 122 nautical miles. The mission concluded with a landing at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The atmosphere at the landing site was a poignant mix of celebration and reflection, as NASA officials, including Administrator Charles Bolden, joined the crew to honor the shuttle's legacy. For many involved in the program, the landing represented the bittersweet conclusion of the shuttle's storied history of orbital accomplishments. The shuttle's return to Earth occurred at 11:57:17 a.m. EST under mostly clear skies. Following the touchdown, Commander Lindsey and his crew participated in a ceremony walking beneath the orbiter alongside NASA leadership.

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