Shuttle Discovery's Gas Leaks Repaired in Time for Wednesday Launch
The space shuttle Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. The launch attempt on Wed., Nov. 3 was delayed, however.
Hello, It's Me
Mission Specialist Steve Bowen was picked to replace the injured Tim Kopra on the STS-133 flight. Here, he uses a communication system during a training session in the fixed-base shuttle mission simulator inside the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Slip Slidin' Away
On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-133 crew members receive instruction on the operation of the pad's slidewire basket system emergency exit training. Inside the basket are Mission Specialists Nicole Stott (at left) and Michael Barratt.
The crew of STS-133 poses in front of a Destiny lab trainer. The six crew members surround Robonaut 2, which they will ferry to the International Space Station. Tim Kopra, however, has been replaced owing to injury since this picture was taken.
At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey prepares to practice driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier, kept at the foot of the launch pad in the event of emergency egress. Behind him (left to right) are Mission Specialists Michael Barratt and Alvin Drew, Pilot Eric Boe, and Mission Specialists Tim Kopra and Nicole Stott.
The Second Time Around
Viewed from inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery awaited its 3.4-mile journey to Launch Pad 39A on Jan. 31, 2011. The shuttle took seven hours to complete the move. That was the second time Discovery rolled out to the pad for the STS-133 mission.
Outside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Kennedy employees, with their families and friends, watch space shuttle Discovery roll out to Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is targeted to liftoff Feb. 24.
Astronaut Stephen G. Bowen, mission specialist, will replace injured Tim Kopra on the STS-133 mission.
NASA astronaut Terry Virts signs autographs at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida while space shuttle Discovery rolls out to Launch Pad 39A. Virts piloted the STS-130 mission that took the cupola to the International Space Station in 2010.
Space Shuttle Discovery's Last Crew Arrives at Launch Site
Space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew arrives at Kennedy Space Center on Oct. 28, 2010 ahead of their planned Nov. 1 launch - the last flight of Discovery. From left: Nicole Stott, Michael Barratt, Tim Kopra, Al Drew, Eric Boe and Steven Lindsey.