Launch Week Begins at Kennedy for STS-133

Technicians at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A have completed pressurizing the tanks on space shuttle Discovery’s Orbital Maneuvering and Main Propulsion Systems. Crews now are removing quick disconnects used during the process and reinstalling flight caps in preparation for launch on Thursday, Feb. 24.

All six astronauts for Discovery's final mission, STS-133, are at Kennedy for prelaunch preparations. STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe will practice landing approaches at the Shuttle Landing Facility in shuttle training aircraft, a Gulfstream II jet modified to simulate a shuttle's cockpit, motion and handling qualities

The countdown for Thursday's 4:50 p.m. EST launch officially begins today at 3 p.m. A precountdown status briefing will air on NASA TV at 10 a.m.

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