STS-116 Landing and Exit

Space Shuttle Discovery touched down on Kennedy Space Center's Runway 15 at 5:32 p.m. EST on Dec. 22, wrapping up a resoundingly successful mission to rewire the International Space Station and retract a stubborn solar array.

"It's a little bit windy and a little bit rainy. And we just want to go ahead and thank everybody for helping get us back to Kennedy Space Center. Discovery is a beautiful vehicle," said Commander Mark Polansky before the crew departed the shuttle Landing Facility. "This mission is really a demonstration of how well we can work as a team at NASA when the ground folks, and the contractors, the crew, the flight directors, the control teams when everybody works together toward a common goal."

Before setting foot on the runway, each crew member underwent a brief medical exam inside the Crew Hatch Access Vehicle. After receiving an OK by doctors, Commander Mark Polansky and his team were greeted by NASA officials, including Administrator Michael Griffin, before taking a walk around Discovery to inspect the spacecraft.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• landing
• touchdown
• STS-116
• STS116
• STS
• 116

[edyken77]

That must be so freaky!!! A nosedive with no power and then a 500 ft flare!!! Anybody know how fast they're at when the main gear touches?

[BrunoTheQuestionable]

The last indication on the HUD was about 240 mph and dropping. Not much time for any corrections !

[marge45b]

I saw a live touchdown in 1988 at Edwards AFB. Amazing!

[BrunoTheQuestionable]

I'd love to see that some day.

[Kakauzu]

Yay!! For Christer Fuglesang, The 1st swedish in Space ^^

[IIJazzyII]

Just imagine the feeling of gravity after being in space.

You'd feel so heavy and weighed down.

[leonelp51]

yep, the shuttle is like a flying brick

[DJKaneHtownshuffler]

i love the shuttle

omg if i couldi would join the nasa program

but unfortunately i dont have the math and science skills

oh well

[apollolover45]

Did you not hear, servicing is starting for Space Shuttle DISCOVERY..gosh you people dont listen.

[xena3600]

Cool which one!

[jupitorman]

been in side a shuttle ,.fantastic to think it has no power on landing how thay worked it out just love it shuttle nut me

[perfectionbox]

Ah, nothing like watching consummate professionals in action. Nicely done.

[earcandy81]

Nominal speeds for touch down is 200 - 235. Any slower, you stall, any faster, you over roll the run way...not much room for error...not to mention you have no engines so if you screw it up, you're just screwed...

[B787YV]

at 300 ft gear down!