Space shuttle Discovery waits on Launch Pad 39A for its STS-133 launch to the International Space Station.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery waits patiently on Launch Pad 39A for its STS-133 launch to the International Space Station. Managers scrubbed the Nov. 5 launch attempt because a hydrogen gas leak was detected at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate (GUCP) while Discovery's external fuel tank was being loaded. The GUCP is an attachment point between the external tank and a pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from the shuttle to the flare stack, where it is burned off. The next possible launch attempt would be Monday, Nov. 8, at 12:53 p.m. EST. After that, the launch window moves to Nov. 30 through Dec. 5.

During the 11-day mission, Discovery and its six crew members will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, to the orbiting laboratory. Discovery, which will fly its 39th mission, is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This will be the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA