On August 31, 2009 Space shuttle Discovery docked with the International Space Station at 00:54 UTC delivering more than seven tons of cargo and a new crew member to the International Space Station and its Expedition 20 crew. The shuttle and station crews opened hatches at 02:33 UTC and greeted one another beginning a week’s worth of joint operations that includes three spacewalks and transfer of 15,000 pounds of supplies and logistics to sustain the six-person crew on the station. Discovery has celebrated its 25th birthday by a successful docking. Discovery began its 1st flight on August 30, 1984.
