Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off on its final mission. Image Credit: NASA
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Space Shuttle Discovery and its six astronauts are safely in orbit after a dazzling 4:53 PM EST liftoff from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
According to Mission Control in Huston, Discovery performed flawlessly during its final journey into orbit.
“Good to be here,” Discovery Commander Steve Lindsey radioed soon after the three main engines shut off and the external fuel tank was jettisoned.
Tomorrow, Commander Steve Lindsey and his crewmates will spend their first full day in space inspecting the shuttle thermal coverings. They’ll also prepare for docking with the International Space Station on Flight Day 3.
At the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Discovery's final crew stands for a group portrait in front of the Astrovan. Image Credit: NASA
The STS-133 mission to the International Space Station will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, an external platform that holds large equipment and critical spare components for the station. The mission also will deliver Robonaut 2, or R2, the first human-like robot in space.
The STS-133 mission patch: Image Credit: NASA
The STS-133 mission patch is based on sketches done by late artist Robert McCall. In the foreground, the shuttle Discovery ascends into a dark blue sky above a roiling fiery plume as if it is just beginning a mission. However, only the orbiter, without boosters or an external tank, is shown as it would be at mission’s end. This is to signify Discovery’s completion of its operational life and the beginning of its new role as a symbol of NASA’s and the nation’s proud legacy in human spaceflight.
