The final mission of Space Shuttle Discovery, code named STS-133 is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A at 4:50 p.m. EST on 24 February 2011. The aim of the mission is to leave the International Space Station in the best possible shape when space shuttles are no longer flying, as well as to deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-4 (ELC-4), which provides electrical power distribution to experiments. Discovery’s payload also includes a Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM), supplies and vital spare parts for the International Space Station. The STS-133 mission also plans to include two space walks for maintenance work and to install new components.
Robonaut 2
One of the most interesting items of space technology carried on the STS-133 mission is Robonaut 2, known as ‘R2’, that will be the first human-like robot in space when it flies on Discovery inside the PMM to become a permanent resident of the station. Robonaut 2 aims to help engineers understand how dexterous robots behave in space. It is planned that this information could eventually enable the development of a human like robot which can work outside the space station, helping human space walkers with maintenance repairs and scientific work. R2 will be test operated inside the International Space Station’s Destiny laboratory.
Space Shuttle Discovery – first flight
Discovery (named after the famous sailing ship used by British explorer Captain James Cook on voyages to the South Pacific in the 1770s) flew its maiden voyage, the STS-41-D mission on the 30th August 1984. It actually took four attempts to launch, following delays to replace a main engine and an incident when a small private aircraft flew into launch zone restricted air space.
The cargo for Discovery’s first flight included three communications satellites, including Leasat-2, the first large communications satellite designed to be deployed from the Space Shuttle. Also on board was the OAST-l solar array, which at 13 feet wide, and 102 feet high was the largest structure ever extended from a manned spacecraft - but folded into a package just 7 inches deep. Later Discovery missions included NASA’s return to space flight after the Challenger disaster in September 1988.
Space Shuttle Discovery missions
Discovery has flown 38 missions – more than any other shuttle or any other spacecraft. With over 5,600 trips around the Earth, Discovery has carried satellites such as the Hubble Space Telescope into orbit and sent the Ulysses robotic probe on its way to the Sun. It was the very first shuttle to rendezvous with the Russian Mir Space Station and it delivered the Japanese Kibo laboratory to the International Space Station.
Discovery crews
By the end of the latest mission STS-133, 180 people will have flown aboard Discovery, including astronaut Eileen Collins, who became the first female shuttle pilot and the first female shuttle commander, as well as the first African American space walker, Bernard Harris. Discovery also holds the record for the first member of Congress to fly in space, Utah Senator Jake Garn. During the mission Garn traveled over 2.5 million miles in 108 Earth orbits and completed over 167 hours in space.
For the STS-133 mission Space Shuttle Discovery will carry a crew of six. Led by Commander Steven Lindsey, the team includes Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Michael Barratt, Steve Bowen and Nicole Stott. Bowen replaced astronaut Tim Kopra who was injured in a bicycle accident in January.
Space Shuttle Discovery retirement
When Discovery retires it will have flown into space 39 times, more than any other shuttle. Californian STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey said “We’re wrapping up the Space Shuttle Program. Besides the excitement of completing the International Space Station and all the things we do, I hope people get a sense of the history of what the shuttle is and what we’ve done and what’s ending, because they’ll probably never see anything like it flying again.”
Tony Riches - Based in west Wales in the UK, I am a published Author and full time writer Follow me on twitter @tonyriches and visit my blogs: The ...
