Discovery Docks Final Time at Space Station

Shuttle's last mission going smoothly
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Feb 26, 2011 4:25 PM CST
Discovery Docks Final Time at Space Station
In this frame grab from video taken from NASA television, space shuttle Discovery approaches the International Space Station Saturday.   ((AP Photo/NASA))

Space shuttle Discovery arrived at the International Space Station today, making its final visit before being parked at a museum. "What took you guys so long?" asked ISS commander Scott Kelly. Discovery should have come and gone last November, but was grounded by fuel tank cracks until yesterday's liftoff.

The linkup occurred 220 miles above Australia. Discovery—flying on its final voyage—will spend at least a week at the orbiting outpost. It's carrying a closet-style chamber full of supplies as well as the first humanoid robot to fly in space. The compartment will be attached permanently to the space station early next week. (More Discovery space shuttle stories.)

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