February 24, 2011 - Space shuttle Discovery is on its way to the International Space Station after a successful launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
It was a "go" throughout the day for Discovery's launch, except for a minor problem right before the final countdown. A technical issue rose in the Eastern Range when a central command computer had issues with its screen.
The range safety officer reported a "no-go" while teams worked on the issue in the few minutes leading up to liftoff. Fortunately, the problem was resolved during the T-5 minute hold and the countdown was able to continue without any further glitches.
Space shuttle Discovery and its STS-133 mission are ready for launch
Discovery lifted up at 4:53 pm EST in a beautiful afternoon launch for its final mission to space. It took the shuttle 8 1/2 minutes to reach the key speed of 17,500 mph in order to achieve orbit.
The twin rocket boosters have been released as has the main fuel tank, and Discovery is on due course to the International Space Station. Once the crew reached orbit and the fuel tank was jettisoned, Commander Steve Lindsay radioed, "It's good to he here," to ground control in Houston.
In a few minutes Discovery will be performing a series of burns to get the shuttle headed in the right orbit path to reach the ISS. The shuttle will be docking with the station the day after tomorrow.
Be sure to check back here for daily updates on shuttle Discovery's final mission, STS-133, to the International Space Station.
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