WIKIARCHIVES.SPACE

On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery awaits the liftoff of its final scheduled mission on what is shaping up to be a picturesque day. Liftoff is set for 4:50 p.m. EST on Feb. 24. Discovery and its six-member 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. Discovery, which will fly its 39th mission, is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This will be the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station.