STS-133 The Final Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery including T-5 hold

This video includes clips starting at L-28 minutes showing the computer problems, additional T-5 hold added to the count, Go/No-Go statuses and ascent information for OV-103 or Space Shuttle Discovery. Launch was on Feb 24th, 2011 and this is the last time Space Shuttle Discovery will ever fly.

[HoennMaster]

Nothing against Atlantis or Endeavour, and not trying to diminish the careers of any of the Space Shuttles, but I really wish Discovery had been the final shuttle to fly. She was the shuttle with the most missions, the Return to Flight shuttle after both Challenger and Columbia disasters and she was the one that flew Hubble into space. She was the personification of the Space Shuttle program to me.

[coryc]

"Go at throttle up" Even today, I still get chills when I hear that.

[johncreedon]

As an airline pilot, watching this, is hard to fathom. The rate of acceleration and altitude gain is beyond insane.

[ozbolli]

The words “discovery now making one last reach for the stars” are truly amazing. Sends shivers down my spine

[kendrickmackay]

It was this launch, on a February afternoon in 2011, that I watched with my mother on a CRT in our living room as an 8th grader. I had just retuned home from school in our rural upstate town. As the boosters lit, and the Shuttle cleared the tower, I remember almost whispering the words, "I want to be an astronaut." My mother said something to the effect of "that's a long, hard road, " and I replied "I don't care." Over the following weeks, months, and years, I read every book in the school's tiny library on spaceflight. I skipped out on art classes to study engineering and draftsmanship. I developed a strong affinity for CAD, something that would blossom and grow for my entire adult life. I was introduced to and exploited the art of 3D printing. And I found, deeper and deeper within me, a love of human spaceflight.

Here I am over a decade later. I did not join the air force like I wanted to. I did not obtain a degree in aerospace engineering like I wanted to. I am not an astronaut.

And yet, I do engineering work on (as of writing) America's only flying space capsule. Every day, I contribute hardware towards multiple missions. I have built, with my own two hand, hardware that has flown to space and protected the crew inside on their descent. I have had the privilege of meeting and shaking hands with the people whose very lives were in my hands. I have designed parts that have survived rigorous quality control processes, and the idea that I had will now fly to orbit as well.

No, I am not an astronaut. But it seems, in my own way, a part of me has flown to space. I have Discovery to thank for that. A vehicle that has, without a doubt, played a role in my discovery of who I was meant to be.

[Stevonoles]

Grew up with the space shuttle program. Simply amazing what we can do. The shuttle was an awesome symbol of pride for this country. I miss it. The spacex rockets just not the same. The astronauts that died in Challenger and Columbia are American heros and we will never forget them.

[baddinosaur]

I was working back at the master console area that day (Was an LPS test conductor). Greatest job of my life.

[chrismlost]

She will always keep flying in our minds, Discovery, Atlantis, Endeavour, Columbia and Challenger will always be a part of spaceflight, these beautiful craft are something special. Thanks for posting these amazing videos, I will never tire of watching them.

[ScreamAndFly]

No matter how many times I've seen shuttle launches, it never fails to impress me.

[shuttlemasterbkg]

Despite the program's shortcomings, the shuttle system was an amazing piece of technology; the power at main engine start and SRB ignition is incredible!

[lowmazda]

this brings tears to my eyes. this is the magical and inspiring side of humanity. working hard and pushing the boundaries.

[gzsunny]

Space Shuttle Discovery was the first space shuttle to launch after the Challenger crash and the first to return to Earth after the Columbia crash. A hero who can really stand the test, very honorable.

[fitton]

Always get the chills at 30 seconds 'auto sequence start' when the shuttle basically gets handed over from the launch pad systems under its own power. Powerful stuff.

[Micknesss]

The commentary on this video with the occasional fun fact update was absolutely fantastic! Spoken clearly and in an easy to understand language. This is how you win regular people over!

[rikvermar]

never get tired of the shuttle launches, simply one of the greatest shows of raw power at its finest

[lucasandresen]

Discovery was always my favorite shuttle, it was amazing to see her lift off one final time and end a very long and historic career, she is the only survivor of the original space shuttles, Columbia, Challenger and Discovery

[shannont]

Launch videos always make me so emotional. All the hard work, the knowledge, the risk, the hopes and dreams, the anticipation. I always get so choked up.

[Gwwvl]

An absolute marvel of engineering, I've watched this video many times and I still marvel in awe every time I watch it The things we can do as humans when we decide to work together 👍

[venkatarr]

11:09 "A tribute to the dedication hard work and pride of american space shuttle team" truly Americans deserve this for their work and pride. Congrats from India💐💐💐💐💐

[HGHsChannel]

10:57 That feeling and sound when the main engines start. Pure joy.