Space Shuttle Discovery's Last Mission

The Space shuttle Discovery blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for its final mission to the International Space Station on February 24. Prior to this mission, Discovery had flown 38 flights, completed 5,247 orbits, and spent 322 days in orbit, logging a total of143 million miles. Discovery is the orbiter fleet leader, having flown more flights than any other orbiter in the fleet.

Discovery's launch last week will be followed by the space shuttles Endeavour in April and Atlantis in June. When Atlantis makes its return to earth this summer, it will be the final time a space shuttle will enter earth's atmosphere, as the program is to be dismantled. Discovery's launch has been called "the beginning of the end of the U.S. space-shuttle program" by The Chicago Tribune.

The following images from the final mission were released by NASA.

This view of the aft portion of the space shuttle Discovery was provided by an Expedition 26 crew member during a survey of the approaching STS-133 vehicle prior to docking with the International Space Station. As part of the survey and part of every mission's activities, Discovery performed a back-flip for the rendezvous pitch maneuver (RPM)

Space shuttle Discovery approaches the International Space Station during STS-133 rendezvous and docking operations Feb 26, 2011.

Backdropped by Earth, space shuttle Discovery approaches the International Space Station during STS-133 rendezvous and docking operations.

The Japanese Kibo complex of the International Space Station is seen while space shuttle Discovery remains docked with the station. Discovery is carrying the Italian-built Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM), Express Logistics Carrier 4 (ELC4) and Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot in space.

An underside view of the nose of the space shuttle Discovery taken during a survey of the approaching orbiter prior to docking with the International Space.

This partial view of the wing and aft part of the payload bay of the space shuttle Discovery was provided by an Expedition 26 crew member during a survey of the approaching STS-133 vehicle prior to docking with the International Space Station.

This partial view of the nose and forward part of the payload bay of the space shuttle Discovery was provided by an Expedition 26 crew member during a survey of the approaching STS-133 vehicle prior to docking with the International Space Station.