Watch Shuttle Discovery's Last Mission

Shuttle Discovery's Last Mission is a documentary film produced by Smithsonian Channel in 2013 featuring interviews with NASA astronauts and engineers who were involved in the final flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery. The film documents the historical significance of Discovery's last mission, highlights its achievements during its 27-year career, and pays tribute to the incredible team of scientists and engineers who made it possible.

The film is hosted by Jeff Wilburn, a space aficionado and historian, who takes viewers on a journey through Discovery's storied career. Wilburn provides background information on the shuttle program and the significance of Discovery's final mission. He interviews a number of NASA astronauts, including Charles Walker, who flew on Discovery's maiden voyage, and Stephanie Stilson, who served as launch director for 12 shuttle missions.

The film is divided into several chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Discovery's last mission. In the first chapter, Wilburn explores the history of the shuttle program and how it evolved into the complex system it is today. He explains the various components of the shuttle, such as the external tank, solid rocket boosters, and Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS), which allowed the shuttle to be maneuvered in space.

The second chapter focuses on the crew of Discovery's final mission, which included Commander Steve Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe, and mission specialists Al Drew, Michael Barratt, Nicole Stott, and Steve Bowen. Wilburn interviews the crew and discusses their roles on the mission, as well as their training and preparation for the flight.

Chapter three chronicles the launch of Discovery from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The film captures the excitement and anticipation of the launch as thousands of spectators gather to witness the historic event. Wilburn provides a behind-the-scenes look at the launch preparations, including the meticulous checks and balances that ensure the shuttle is ready for liftoff.

The fourth and fifth chapters focus on the mission itself, which lasted 13 days and had several objectives. The primary objective was to deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) to the International Space Station (ISS). The PMM, which had been converted from a cargo module, was designed to serve as a storage facility and workspace for the ISS crew. The shuttle also carried supplies and spare parts for the ISS, as well as a humanoid robot called Robonaut 2.

Wilburn interviews several NASA engineers who worked on the PMM and Robonaut 2 projects, providing fascinating insights into the technology behind these revolutionary devices. The film also showcases the incredible views of Earth from space and the challenges of working in zero-gravity conditions.

The sixth and final chapter of the film covers Discovery's return to Earth. Wilburn explains the intricate reentry process, including the use of the shuttle's heat shield to protect the craft from the intense heat generated by atmospheric friction. The film captures the tension and excitement of the shuttle's landing at the Kennedy Space Center, where it was met by a jubilant crowd of spectators and NASA employees.

Overall, Shuttle Discovery's Last Mission is a captivating and informative documentary that celebrates the incredible accomplishments of the Space Shuttle program and pays tribute to the amazing people who made it possible. The film provides a unique perspective on the complex technical and engineering challenges involved in spaceflight, while also capturing the exhilaration and excitement of exploring the final frontier.