Photo for the Day - March 06, 2011

- Photo for the Day -

Saying Good-Bye - Final Farewells

About above image: The STS-133 and Expedition 26 crew members participate in a farewell ceremony...

Image credit: NASA TV

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* Latest up-to-date STS-133 Mission News *

- Hatches Closed Between Discovery and Station -

Sunday, March 06, 2011

3:25pm CST

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At 4:11pm EST, hatches were closed between Space Shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station. The hatches between the two spacecraft were opened at 4:16 p.m. on February 26 and remained open for joint crew operations for a total of 7 days, 23 hours, and 55 minutes.

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Prior to hatch closure, the shuttle and station crews exchanged farewells. Discovery Commander Steve Lindsey thanked station Commander Scott Kelly for the hospitality. Kelly responded, “It was a very successful time onboard. We enjoyed having you as guests, we’re going to miss you, and we’re going to miss space shuttle Discovery. Discovery been a great ship and has really supported ISS more than any other shuttle and we wish her fair winds and following seas. Thank you.”

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Discovery’s six crew members will awaken to a special song with a surprise twist at 3:23am Monday, “Theme from Star Trek” by Alexander Courage. It was the runner-up in the wakeup song contest - https://songcontest.nasa.gov/.

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Discovery will undock from the station on Monday, March 7th at 7:03am EST and begin the ISS fly around at 7:33am EST.

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If all goes to plan...

Deorbit burn will occur Wednesday, March 9th at 10:55am EST.

Landing at Kennedy Space Center will follow at 11:58am EST.

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Safe Landing!

AubreyJ.........

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