Discovery docks with space station

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Discovery docks with space station

2009-03-18 07:58:36
Last Updated: 2009-03-18 09:44:12

space shuttle

Image: In this image from NASA TV, the space shuttle Discovery is docked with the international space station orbiting Earth, Tuesday, March 17, 2009. (Copyright AP. Any unauthorised reproduction is prohibited.)

Washington: The space shuttle Discovery docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday for a construction mission that will allow the station to double its crew.

Space shuttle Discovery blasts off

The Discovery will deliver the fourth and final solar panel that will enable ISS to double the size of its crew to six astronauts. Three spacewalks are planned to install the solar panels and conduct other construction projects. Two spacewalkers will put the panels in place on Thursday with help from the station's robotic arm.

"Welcome to the Space Station, Discovery. We're glad you're here," the ISS crew said as the two craft made contact at 2120 GMT above Australia. The mission will also deliver Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata, who is to officially join the permanent crew on the orbiting space station later on Tuesday.

Discovery to head towards International Space Station

In recognition of the Japanese crew member, the first permanent ISS resident from that country, Discovery astronauts awoke on Tuesday morning to Radio Exercise, a song used by Japanese school children to exercise, and performed by the Tokyo Broadcast Children's Choir.

The shuttle launched on Sunday after weeks of delays caused by concerns about hydrogen fuel valves and a later leak in a fuel vent.

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All about: International, News, Science, Space shuttle, Discovery, Docked, International Space Station, ISS, Most Read

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