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NASA Godspeed… Discovery’s Bittersweet Grand Finale Journey


NASA TV Space shuttle Discovery performs its flyaround shortly after undocking from the International Space Station.
[SatNews] Perhaps a few had a lump in their throat as NASA’s space shuttle Discovery departed for the last time from the International Space Station.

The shuttle is scheduled to return to Earth for the final time on Wednesday, March 9, completing a 13-day mission to outfit the International Space Station. If Discovery lands Wednesday, it will have spent a total of 365 days in space and traveled more than 148 million miles during 39 flights. It launched on its first mission on August 30, 1984.


Feb. 24: Space shuttle Discovery lifts off from Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP)


Wednesday landing opportunities at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida are at 11:57 a.m. and 1:34 p.m. EST. NASA managers will evaluate weather conditions at Kennedy before permitting Discovery to land. If Discovery is unable to land Wednesday, additional opportunities are available on Thursday at Kennedy and at backup landing site Edwards Air Force Base in California. For recorded updates about landing, call 321-867-2525.


At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery’s STS-133 pose for a photo on the Shuttle Landing Facility runway after arriving in T-38 jets. From left, are Mission Specialists Nicole Stott, Michael Barratt, Steve Bowen and Alvin Drew, Pilot Eric Boe, and Commander Steve Lindsey. Source: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Approximately two hours after Discovery lands, NASA officials will hold a briefing to discuss the mission. The participants will be:

  • Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations
  • Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager
  •  Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director
After touchdown, the astronauts will undergo routine physical examinations and meet with their families. The crew may participate in a post-landing news conference about 6.5 hours after landing. The news events will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency’s website. For the latest information about the STS-133 mission and accomplishments, visit.