NASA prepares to launch Space Shuttle Discovery (12 images)

This NASA image released on September 9, 2010 shows Space Shuttle Discovery is moved into the VAB as it arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA is making final preparations to launch Discovery on mission STS-133, service mission to install the module on the International Space Station. This is the second to last flight for the shuttle program. UPI/Dimitri Gerondidakis/NASA.

NASA'S Space Shuttle Discovery departs from inside the Vehicle Assembly Building [VAB] for roll out to Complex 39A for mission STS 133 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on September 20,2010. The launch is scheduled for November 1,2010 with a crew of six commanded by Steven Lindsey .The Orbiter will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module [PMM] with spare parts to the International Space Station during the orbiters final "scheduled" flight.UPI/ Joe Marino-Bill Cantrell

This NASA image released on September 10, 2010 shows Space Shuttle Discovery as it is moved to be attached to the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters inside the VAB at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA is making final preparations to launch Discovery on mission STS-133, service mission to install the module on the International Space Station. This is the second to last flight for the shuttle program. UPI/Jack Pfaller/NASA.

This NASA image released on September 10, 2010 shows Space Shuttle Discovery as it is lowered onto the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters inside the VAB at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA is making final preparations to launch Discovery on mission STS-133, service mission to install the module on the International Space Station. This is the second to last flight for the shuttle program. UPI/Jack Pfaller/NASA.