Mission Discovery: Launching C.O.L.B.E.R.T. Into Space
The space shuttle Discovery launched into space one minute before midnight on Aug. 28, 2009 on a 13-day mission to deliver new supplies and equipment to the International Space Station, including an exercise treadmill named after TV comedian Stephen Colbert.
Commanded by veteran spaceflyer Rick Sturckow, Discovery?s seven-astronaut crew hauled the new COLBERT treadmill and a shipment of new science gear to the station. They also performed three spacewalks to upgrade the space station?s exterior and perform much-needed maintenance.
Below is SPACE.com?s special report on Discovery?s STS-128 mission. Stories appear in reverse chronological order, with the most recent updates first. This was last updated on Sept. 9, 2009.
Shuttle?s Summer Success
Space
Shuttle Discovery Returns to Florida Home
The
space shuttle Discovery returned to its home port in Florida Monday to end a
two-day trek across the country.
Shuttle
Discovery Begins Ferry Flight to Florida
The
space shuttle Discovery began a cross-country ferry flight to its home port in
Florida Sunday more than a week after returning to Earth from its latest
mission to orbit.
Space
Shuttle Discovery Lands Safely in California
HOUSTON
- Space shuttle Discovery returned safely to Earth Friday evening, landing in
California after being diverted due to rain showers over Florida.
Mystery
Explained: Glow in Night Sky Was Astronaut Urine
The
beautiful trail in the sky looked like a mysterious celestial event. In
reality, it was urine.
Space
Burrito Recipe Revealed by Astronauts
A
burrito for breakfast is always a tasty treat, even for astronauts in space.
Space
Shuttle Discovery Headed For California Landing
NASA
has ordered astronauts aboard space shuttle Discovery to switch to a backup
runway in California for their planned landing Friday due to persistent storms
in Florida that made a return to their home port impossible.
Shuttle
Astronauts Hope for Friday Landing After Delay
The
seven astronauts aboard space shuttle Discovery are hoping for a break in
Florida's stormy weather so they can land Friday evening, but they may end up
in California if conditions stay grim.
Stormy Weather Delays Space Shuttle Landing
Astronauts
aboard NASA's space shuttle Discovery have to wait at least one more day before
returning to Earth after thunderstorms and strong winds thwarted attempts to
land Thursday.
Space
Junk Forces Shuttle Discovery to Dodge on Way Home
The
space shuttle Discovery dodged a mysterious piece of orbital trash Thursday as
its astronaut crew prepared for a planned landing in Florida.
Weather
Iffy for Space Shuttle Landing Thursday
It's
landing day for space shuttle Discovery, but thunderstorms in Florida may keep
the spacecraft and its astronaut crew in orbit an extra day.
Buzz Lightyear Sets Duration Record Aboard Space Station
Space shuttle
Discovery undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) Tuesday with six
NASA astronauts, one European Space Agency (ESA) mission specialist and a Star
Command Space Ranger for the trip back to Earth.
Shuttle
Discovery Undocks From Space Station
Space
shuttle Discovery cast off from the International Space Station Tuesday and
began the trip back to Earth, wrapping up nearly nine days of joint work by 13
astronauts aboard both spacecraft.
NASA
Tracks Chinese Satellite Debris Headed Near Space Station
NASA
is tracking a piece of leftover space junk from a 2007 Chinese anti-satellite
test that is expected to fly near the International Space Station twice on
Wednesday, a day after the shuttle Discovery leaves the orbiting lab.
Swedish
Astronaut Shares Space Shuttle Sweets
Before
boarding a space shuttle to leave the International Space Station, Swedish
astronaut Christer Fuglesang shared how "sweet" a spacecraft the
orbiter could be.
Shuttle
Astronauts in Homestretch of Space Mission
Space
shuttle Discovery astronauts entered the homestretch of their busy flight to
the International Space Station Sunday and are packing up for their trip home
later this week.
Astronauts
Outfit Space Station in Mission's Last Spacewalk
Two
spacewalking astronauts primed the International Space Station Saturday for
future shuttle visits Saturday despite dealing with a wayward spacesuit camera
that almost came loose late in their work.
Astronauts
Gear Up for Mission's Last Spacewalk
Two
astronauts will float outside the International Space Station Saturday on the
last spacewalk of their mission, one aimed at performing some last few
maintenance chores on the orbiting laboratory.
Space
Sights and Smells Surprise Rookie Astronauts
WASHINGTON
- For rookie astronauts flying aboard the International Space Station, the food
is good, the rocket thrusters are loud and there's an odd tang in the air -
apparently from outer space.
Gearing Up Space Station
Astronauts Take a Break From Busy Space Mission
Astronauts took a hard-earned break from work aboard the International Space Station Friday as they hit the midpoint of a busy mission to boost the outpost's science gear and supplies.
Orbital
Trash Buzzes Space Station, Shuttle
The
derelict remains of an old European rocket zipped close by the International
Space Station and shuttle Discovery Friday, but not close enough to pose a risk
to the spacecraft or their astronaut crews.
Spacewalkers
Install Massive Cooling Tank on Space Station
Two
spacewalking astronauts tackled a tough coolant tank swap at the International
Space Station late Thursday, one that required them to move hefty components as
massive as small cars.
Spacewalk
to Go Ahead as Space Junk Threat Fades
Two
astronauts will float outside the International Space Station for a spacewalk
Thursday evening secure in the knowledge that their spacecraft won't have to
dodge a massive piece of space junk.
Trash
in Space May Force Shuttle, Station to Dodge
NASA
is tracking a large chunk of rocket trash hurtling through space just in case
it might require the linked shuttle Discovery and International Space Station
to move out of the way late Thursday.
Astronauts
Complain of Stuffy Heads in Space
Astronauts
aboard the space shuttle Discovery have got a case of stuffy heads, but NASA
doesn't think they're sick
Spacewalkers
Remove Massive Tank From Space Station
Two
spacewalkers carefully removed a massive tank from its mooring outside the
International Space Station late Tuesday as their crewmates unpacked a
treadmill named after comedian Stephen Colbert.
Astronauts
Prepare for Mission's First Spacewalk
Two
astronauts will venture outside the International Space Station Tuesday to kick
off their mission's first spacewalk while their crewmates inside begin
unpacking the tons of cargo delivered by the shuttle Discovery.
Shuttle
Astronauts Move In at Space Station
It
was moving day at the International Space Station Monday as astronauts
installed a cargo module packed full of fresh supplies, science gear and a
treadmill named after comedian Stephen Colbert.
Mouse
Hotel Opens on Space Station
A
team of six intrepid mice is going where no rodents have gone before: The
International Space Station.
Shuttle Discovery Marks Silver Anniversary With Space Station Docking
As space shuttle Discovery neared the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday evening, its crew first caught sight of the sun's glare bouncing off eight pairs of solar arrays. The reflection spanned both space and time, as it hearkened back to Discovery's maiden launch 25 years ago on a six-day mission then to test fly a large, lightweight solar wing.
Shuttle
Discovery Arrives at Space Station
After
a two-day orbital chase, space shuttle Discovery linked up with the
International Space Station late Sunday to deliver a new crewmember and a cargo
pod full of vital supplies.
Shuttle
Discovery Closes In On Space Station
Space
shuttle Discovery is closing in on the International Space Station for a late
Sunday rendezvous in orbit around Earth.
Astronauts Inspect Space Shuttle for Damage
Astronauts aboard the space shuttle Discovery inspected their spacecraft's vital heat shield for damage today as they chase down the International Space Station for a Sunday rendezvous.
Space
Shuttle's Midnight Launch Dazzles in Photos
The
brilliant midnight launch of NASA's space shuttle Discovery late Friday brought
a false dawn above Florida that was captured in spectacular images by
photographers on Earth.
Shuttle
Discovery Blasts Off Toward Space Station
The
space shuttle Discovery turned night into day above Florida late Friday as it
blazed into the midnight sky carrying seven astronauts bound for the
International Space Station.
Launch Delays and Glitches
NASA
Aims to Launch Shuttle Discovery Late Friday
NASA
fueled the space shuttle Discovery for a late Friday launch after two
consecutive delays caused by stormy weather and a hydrogen fuel valve glitch.
NASA
Targets Late Friday Launch for Space Shuttle
NASA
has decided to skip its next chance to launch the space shuttle Discovery and
is now targeting a late Friday liftoff.
NASA
Resumes Countdown for Possible Friday Shuttle Launch
The
clock is again ticking down toward launch for NASA's space shuttle Discovery as
mission managers prepare to discuss whether the spacecraft is indeed ready for
its planned Friday blast off.
NASA
Targets Friday Launch for Shuttle Discovery
CAPE
CANAVERAL, Fla. ? NASA is now targeting no earlier than Friday to try to loft
the space shuttle Discovery after a critical valve failed a standard check
during its second launch attempt earlier today.
Broken
Valve Prompts Second Launch Delay for Shuttle Discovery
CAPE
CANAVERAL, Fla. - A broken valve on the space shuttle Discovery forced NASA to
call off the spacecraft's second launch attempt in a row late Tuesday as
engineers troubleshoot the glitch
Storms
Force NASA to Aim for Wednesday Shuttle Launch
CAPE
CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA will take another shot at launching the space shuttle
Discovery on Wednesday after unexpected thunderstorms foiled an attempted
liftoff earlier today.
Stormy
Weather Thwarts Space Shuttle Launch
CAPE
CANAVERAL, Fla. - Lightning and thunderstorms thwarted NASA's attempt to launch
the space shuttle Discovery early Tuesday, forcing its seven-astronaut crew to
wait at least one more day before leaving the planet.
Shuttle Discovery Go for Launch
Stephen Colbert 'Go' for Space Shuttle Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Comedian Stephen Colbert is go for the space shuttle Discovery's Tuesday launch, even if he can't watch the spacecraft send a treadmill named after him into orbit with his own two eyes.
Sales
of Sold Out COLBERT Patches Soar as Crew Patch Error Becomes Collectible
Two
embroidered patches designed for space shuttle Discovery's mission to the
International Space Station beginning this week have gone from being simple
souvenirs sold at NASA-themed gift shops to rare collector items selling for as
much as 35 times their retail price.
Space Shuttle Discovery to Launch Early Tuesday
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The space shuttle Discovery is poised to blast off early Tuesday in what promises to be a stunning nighttime launch into the dark Florida sky.
Next
Shuttle Mission to Boost Space Station Science
CAPE
CANAVERAL, Fla. - When the space shuttle Discovery rockets into orbit this
week, it will carry a treasure trove of new science gear to boost research
aboard the International Space Station.
NASA
Clears Shuttle Discovery for Tuesday Launch
CAPE
CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA officials today cleared the space shuttle Discovery to
blast off Tuesday as the weather outlook improved for the planned predawn
launch.
Stephen
Colbert's Space Treadmill Ready for Blast Off
NASA
is poised to launch a new treadmill named for comedian Stephen Colbert to the
International Space Station on the shuttle Discovery on Tuesday and at least
one astronaut has taken it for a test spin. But what's it like, running in
space?
From
Fieldhand to Spaceman: An Astronaut's Journey
Astronaut
Jose Hernandez has come a long way, and now he's about
to go even farther.
Space
Shuttle Discovery on Track for Tuesday Launch
NASA's
space shuttle Discovery is on track for a planned Tuesday launch toward the
International Space Station, mission managers said Saturday.
Eclectic
Astronaut Mix to Launch on Shuttle Discovery
A
former off-road racer, a Swedish physicist and three tweeting astronauts form
just part of the eclectic crew poised to blast off Tuesday aboard NASA's space
shuttle Discovery.
Weather
Looks Good for Tuesday Shuttle Launch
The
weather looks promising for NASA's planned predawn Tuesday launch of the space
shuttle Discovery and seven astronauts bound for the International Space
Station.
Fuel Tank Concerns
Space
Shuttle Discovery to Launch Aug. 25
NASA
will try to launch the space shuttle Discovery next week after settling
outlying concerns with the foam insulation covering the spacecraft's external
fuel tank.
NASA
Clears Fuel Tank Concerns for Shuttle Launch
Top
NASA officials have cleared the space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank of
any concerns related to its foam insulation, setting the stage for a Wednesday
meeting expected set an official launch date of Aug. 25.
NASA
Orders Extra Fuel Tank Tests for Shuttle Launch
WASHINGTON
- NASA has ordered some last-minute tests on the space shuttle Discovery's
giant fuel tank to see if the spacecraft is safe to blast off later this month.
Shuttle
Discovery's Fuel Tank May Need Foam Fix
An
external tank foam-shedding problem could prompt NASA to roll shuttle Discovery
back to Kennedy Space Center's assembly building for repairs, but the agency
still is pressing ahead with preparations for the targeted Aug. 25 launch.
Shuttle
Astronauts Practice Launch Pad Escape
Seven
astronauts climbed aboard NASA's space shuttle Discovery Friday for a vital
drill to practice escaping from the spacecraft at the launch pad and go over
plans for their late August blast off.
Lightning
Slows Space Shuttle's Launch Pad Trek
The
space shuttle Discovery rolled out to its Florida launch pad Tuesday in an
arduous, slow trek made even slower by brilliant lightning flashes and soggy
mud.
Collectible
COLBERT Space Patch Sells Out
Nearly
a month before the payload it celebrates is scheduled to launch to space, a
collectible embroidered patch has sold out, with no plans for it to be produced
again.
Space
Shuttle Discovery Moves Closer to August Launch
CAPE
CANAVERAL - The orbiter Discovery is in the Kennedy Space Center Vehicle
Assembly Building today after a move Sunday from its nearby processing hangar.
COLBERT?s
Space Legacy
NASA
Names Space Module After Moon Base, Not Stephen Colbert
Displaying
both a sense of history and humor, NASA on Tuesday revealed
"Tranquility" as the name of its newest space station module, while
christening a new astronaut exercise device after comedian Stephen Colbert,
whose name led their public opinion poll for what to name the orbiting
outpost's new room.
NASA to Reveal Space Module's Name on 'Colbert Report'
NASA will announce on Tuesday the name it has chosen for a new space station module with help from comedian Stephen Colbert, who has campaigned for weeks to have it named for him.
Astronauts Would Live in Space Module 'Colbert'
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station say they would welcome the arrival of the outpost's new orbital room, even if it is named after comedian Stephen Colbert.
Stephen
Colbert Challenges NASA Over Node Name
Comedian
Stephen Colbert is pulling out all the stops in his campaign to have NASA name
a new room of the International Space Station after him.
NASA
Might Name Toilet For Comedian Stephen Colbert
NASA
may consider putting Stephen Colbert's name on a space toilet, after the
comedian came out on top of the U.S. space agency's online naming poll for a
new space module.
NASA
Won't Commit to 'Stephen Colbert' Space Module Yet
Comedy
Central's Stephen Colbert has been talking up the International Space Station
recently, but NASA is iffy on naming a new module at the outpost after the
comedian even if he wins the U.S. space agency's online naming contest.
Can
a Comedian Take Over the Space Station?
NASA's
naming contest for a new space station module now faces a fresh challenger in
the form of comedian Stephen Colbert.
Station
Astronaut Laughs it up for 'Colbert Report'
NASA
astronaut Garrett Reisman squeezed in some laughs amid his busy day aboard the
International Space Station (ISS) Thursday during an orbital call from comedian
Stephen Colbert.
More Resources
- Complete Shuttle Mission Coverage
- Complete International Space Station Expedition Coverage
- Fixing NASA: Complete
Coverage of Space Shuttle Return to Flight
SPACE.com's complete coverage of NASA's STS-114 Return to Flight mission. - Special Report: STS-107
Columbia Disaster
SPACE.com's complete coverage of NASA's 2003 Columbia accident. - All About the Space Shuttle
- All About the International Space Station











