The six-member crew of the next space shuttle mission spoke with reporters on Oct. 14 at Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The astronauts for shuttle Discovery’s STS-133 mission are at Kennedy to participate in a full launch dress rehearsal, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, and related training. The test provides an opportunity for the crew and ground teams to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency escape training.
Discovery is targeted to launch Nov. 1 on its final scheduled flight. During its 11-day mission, astronauts will deliver and install the Permanent Multipurpose Module, critical spare components for the station, and the Express Logistics Carrier 4, an external platform that holds large equipment. Discovery also will deliver Robonaut 2, or R2, to become a permanent resident of the station as the first human-like robot in space.
