Discovery Launches Expedition 3 to ISS
The Space Shuttle Discovery launched on mission STS-105 to the International Space Station, carrying the Expedition 3 crew to replace Expedition 2. The mission aimed to further the assembly of the ISS and included important science experiments and cargo delivery.
Discovery launched from Kennedy Space Center.
Carries crew to replace Expedition 2 on the ISS.
Mission included critical supplies for ISS.
Key step in ongoing international space cooperation.
What Happened?
Space Shuttle Discovery launched on the STS-105 mission, marking a significant step in the ongoing construction and operation of the International Space Station (ISS). The shuttle carried a crew of seven astronauts, including Commander Scott Kelly and Pilot Charles Hobaugh. The mission's primary goal was to transport the Expedition 3 crew, composed of Astronauts Frank Culbertson, Vladimir Dezhurov, and Mikhail Tyurin, to the ISS, to replace Expedition 2. This crew change was essential for maintaining a continuous human presence on the ISS, which had been established as a collaborative effort involving multiple international space agencies. Alongside the crew, Discovery delivered critical supplies, equipment, and experiments to further ongoing scientific research onboard the station.
Why Does it Matter?
This mission was pivotal in sustaining long-term human exploration in low Earth orbit as part of the broader International Space Station program. The continuous operation of the ISS has provided invaluable insights into life in space, contributing to our understanding of numerous scientific fields including biology, physics, and astronomy. The collaborations formed during these missions have also strengthened international partnerships in space exploration and technology.