The final rehearsal for the end of an era

Space · Published 19 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Watch the meticulous coordination required to launch the space shuttle Discovery on its final mission. This footage captures the high-stakes simulations performed by teams in Florida and Houston to ensure a safe final voyage.

On January 7, 2011, the STS-133 launch team gathered in Firing Room 4 at the Kennedy Space Center. They practiced liftoff procedures for Discovery's final mission to the International Space Station, a journey scheduled for no earlier than February 24, 2011.

The simulation was a collaborative effort, linking personnel in Florida with those at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. These rehearsals are essential for synchronizing complex operations across different geographic locations, ensuring every team member is prepared for the shuttle's concluding flight.

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