STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and his crew arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida this afternoon as the astronauts and launch team prepare to begin the countdown to Monday’s launch of space shuttle Discovery.
"I want to say a word of thanks to the team here are Kennedy Space Center," Lindsey said. Talking about repairs last weekend to a crossfeed flange inside Discovery, he said, "They did a fantastic job getting it ready for us. "
Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Michael Barratt, Tim Kopra and Nicole Stott touched down at the Shuttle Landing Facility at about 3 p.m. EDT aboard three T-38 jet aircraft. Mission Specialist Alvin Drew arrived at approximately 4 p.m. Drew’s arrival was delayed due to an issue with his aircraft causing him and his pilot to return to Houston for another T-38.
Discovery and its astronauts will launch Monday at 4:40 p.m. EDT to take the Permanent Multipurpose Module to the International Space Station, along with experiments, supplies and equipment.
"We’re really looking forward to getting up there and doing our part to add to it again," Barratt said.