NBMC Shelby, Montana, USA

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Shuttle Discovery and its crew of seven returned to Earth at 3:14 p.m. EDT on Saturday and successfully wrapped up a construction mission that left the international space station with all its solar wings and extra electrical power. Mission Control delayed Discovery's homecoming by about 90 minutes, or one orbit, because of windy, cloudy weather. But the wind shifted and conditions improved enough for the second and final landing opportunity of the day. Discovery's 13 day flight, which ended just as a new Russian-launched crew was settling into the space station, was highlighted by the installation and unfurling of the space station's last pair of solar wings. The $300 million addition brought the orbiting outpost up to full power, a vital part of NASA's plan to double the space station population and boost the amount of science research in a few months.
Excitement and a sense of accomplishment was evident among the Discovery crew members as they spoke with the media after landing today. Commander Lee Archambault introduced five of the seven members of the STS-119 mission crew. Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus remained at crew quarters accompanied by Richard Arnold. Archambault described the demanding mission that included three spacewalks to install the S6 truss increasing the electrical capability of the station, and how well space shuttle Discovery handled throughout the mission. "It was an exciting mission … and we're very happy to be back at the Kennedy Space Center," Archambault said. Archambault also mentioned the call from President Barack Obama and how honored the crew at the station was to speak with him and answer his questions. Mission Specialist Joseph Acaba said he was amazed at the views from the space station. "It was kind of surreal to look out the window and see your two buddies out there that you've been training with for a long time and see them out there…it was a special moment," said Acaba. As Pilot Tony Antonelli maneuvered Discovery away from the station other crew members snapped some amazing shots of the orbiting outpost that they said will stay with them for a long time. "We worked a long time training for this mission and I was so proud to be a part of it," said Mission Specialist Steve Swanson. The crew is expected fly back to Houston's Ellington Field Sunday. After arrival they'll be honored with a homecoming celebration for the successful STS-119 mission.

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Data from NASA
Landed:
Sat., March 28, 2009, 3:14 p.m. EDT
Landing Site:
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Mission Elapsed Time:
12 days, 19 hours, 29 minutes, 33 secs

Official Landing Times
Main gear touchdown:
3:13:17 p.m. EDT
Nose gear touchdown:
3:13:40 p.m. EDT
Wheels stop:
3:13:45 p.m. EDT
Total miles:
5.3 million

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