Discovery Rolls to the Launch Pad one Last Time

During space shuttle Discovery’s final spaceflight, the STS-133 crew members will take important spare parts to the International Space Station along with the Express Logistics Carrier-4.

Space shuttle Discovery leaves the cavernous Vehicle Assembly Building. Discovery is targeted for launch Nov. 1 on the STS-133 mission. Credit: NASA

Bathed in spotlights Discovery’s last rollout was a bittersweet moment for workers that have cared for the orbiter. Discovery was rolled out four hours earlier than normal so that workers could take pictures.

Discovery is being readied for flight inside Kennedy’s Orbiter Processing Facility-3 while its solid rocket boosters are stacked inside the nearby Vehicle Assembly Building. STS-133 is slated to launch Nov. 1.