Tag: STS-133
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STS-133: Final Spacewalk completed – Extra +1 Day
The STS-133 crew are working through their second and final spacewalk dedicated to several misc. tasks that will help place the International Space Station in the best possible shape for future construction missions as well as the post-Shuttle era. Meanwhile, thanks to Discovery’s excellent performance, the Mission Management Team (MMT) have discussed adding a second…
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STS-133: PMM successfully installed – Soyuz flyabout cancelled
With the first spacewalk (EVA) of the mission behind them, Discovery’s crew has further completed one of the mission’s primary objectives: the installation of the PMM (Permanent Multipurpose Module) Leonardo, the final U.S. permanent pressurized module, to the International Space Station. Meanwhile, a proposed flyabout by a Russian Soyuz has been formally cancelled. PMM Leonardo –…
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STS-133: EVA-1 completed; Endeavour Rolls to VAB one last time
As Discovery continues to sail through her STS-133 mission with flying colors, astronauts Steve Bowen and Al Drew have completed the mission’s first of two EVAs (Extravehicular Activities). The first STS-133/ULF5 spacewalk included the retrieval of a failed Pump Module and MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) blanket work on the Z1 truss. Meanwhile, sister orbiter Endeavour has…
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STS-133: Pristine Discovery enjoying her docked mission swansong
The Damage Assessment Team (DAT) confirmed Discovery’s clean ascent into space by clearing the orbiter from a Focused Inspection, as STS-133’s mission continues to proceed flawlessly. With a host of robotic operations picking up shortly after Discovery arrived at the orbital outpost for the final time, the crew are heading toward the opening spacewalk –…
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Discovery Completes Visually Spectacular Docking to Space Station
A healthy orbiter Discovery and her crew have completed a stunning R-bar Pitch Maneuver (RPM) and docking to the International Space Station. Additionally, Discovery’s extremely clean ride to orbit signals the outstanding work of numerous engineers to clear a potential contamination concern within the External Tank following the inadvertent opening of a backup Fill and…
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STS-133: Healthy Discovery completes FD2 inspections on RCC panels
Now safely on orbit, Discovery has completed inspections on her Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC) panels – the main task of STS-133’s Flight Day 2 (FD 2). Only two minor indications were registered by her sensor equipment embedded into her Wing Leading Edge (WLE) during ascent, while two noticeable debris events are of no concern from…
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Discovery launches after dramatic range fix late in countdown
Discovery has completed her final ascent into space, following a 16:53 Eastern launch from the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Controllers managed to launch the veteran orbiter with just seconds to spare, as the count was held at T-5 minutes to fix a range issue. A foam liberation impact on the orbiter late in ascent is highly…
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After 26 Years, Workhorse Discovery Stands Ready for Final Mission
For over 29 years engineers, space enthusiasts, and people around the world have marveled at the technological and scientific achievement that is the Space Shuttle fleet. During this time, the most complex machines ever built have proven themselves invaluable in transforming mankind’s understanding of planet Earth and the space beyond. And for 26 of those 29 years,…
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STS-133: ISS Gears Up for Discovery’s Arrival – Soyuz Flyaround Update
With the countdown clocks now ticking down for the launch of STS-133 at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) have been hard at work this past week, reconfiguring the station for the arrival of Discovery this Saturday. The reconfiguration period is set to continue this week, as the…
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OBSS Sensor Protect for Soyuz Flyaround and WLEIDS Status Reviewed
NASA is gearing up for what will be a jammed packed STS-133, along with the possibility of a Soyuz fly-around during Discovery’s docked mission still under consideration. To this end, NASA has created a plan to protect Discovery OBSS (Orbiter Boom Sensor System) sensor packages during the proposed maneuver. The vehicle’s Wing Leading Edge Impact Detection…