NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Students engage in a classroom worksheet on gravity and mass while awaiting the launch of STS-133, Discovery. Image Credit: NASA

With great enthusiasm and interest, 50 NASA Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy students from Albany State University in Georgia felt the earth vibrate as they witnessed the launch of space shuttle Discovery on the STS-133 mission. This was the 133rd flight of the Space Shuttle Program and the final flight of Discovery.


While students waited in great anticipation for the countdown, they read about the historic mission and completed science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities. At 4:53 p.m., students stood in awe as they watched the shuttle lift off. This launch marked the 39th shuttle mission to the International Space Station. Discovery delivered the Permanent Multipurpose Module and the Express Logistics Carrier 4. It also delivered critical spare components to the space station. The students were extremely excited throughout this authentic learning experience and were amazed at how a real- life space

SEMAA students from Albany State University pause for a photo during the STS-133 Discovery shuttle launch day. Image Credit: NASA

launch occurs.