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