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STS-131
Canadarm2 grapples the MPLM Leonardo in Discovery's payload bay, prior to berthing
Mission typeISS logistics
OperatorNASA
COSPAR ID2010-012A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.36507Edit this on Wikidata
Mission duration15 days, 2 hours, 47 minutes, 9 seconds[1][2][3]
Distance travelled10,029,810 kilometres (6,232,235 mi)
Orbits completed238
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftSpace Shuttle Discovery
Launch mass2,051,031 kilograms (4,521,749 lb)[4](total)
121,047 kilograms (266,864 lb) (orbiter)
Landing mass102,039 kilograms (224,957 lb)
Crew
Crew size7
Members
Start of mission
Launch dateApril 5, 2010, 10:21:22 (2010-04-05UTC10:21:22Z) UTC[5][6]
Launch siteKennedy, LC-39A
End of mission
Landing dateApril 20, 2010, 13:08:35 (2010-04-20UTC13:08:36Z) UTC
Landing siteKennedy, SLF Runway 15
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeLow Earth
Perigee altitude320 kilometres (200 mi)
Apogee altitude346 kilometres (215 mi)
Inclination51.6°
Period90 minutes
Docking with ISS
Docking portPMA-2
(Harmony forward)
Docking dateApril 7, 2010, 07:44 UTC
Undocking dateApril 17, 2010, 12:52 UTC
Time docked10 days, 5 hours, 8 minutes

Seated: James Dutton (left) Alan Poindexter (right), Standing (l-r): Rick Mastracchio, Stephanie Wilson, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Naoko Yamazaki (JAXA) and Clayton Anderson
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STS-131 (ISS assembly flight 19A)[7] was a NASA Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Space Shuttle Discovery launched on April 5, 2010, at 6:21 am from LC-39A, and landed at 9:08 am on April 20, 2010, on runway 33 at the Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility.[5] The mission marked the longest flight for Space Shuttle Discovery and its 38th and penultimate flight.

The primary payload was a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module loaded with supplies and equipment for the International Space Station. The mission also removed and replaced an ammonia tank assembly outside the station on the S1 truss. STS-131 furthermore carried several on-board payloads; this mission had the most payloads since STS-107. It is also the last shuttle mission with a crew of 7.

Crew

[edit]
Position[8] Astronaut
Commander Alan Poindexter
Second and last spaceflight
Pilot James Dutton
Only spaceflight
Mission Specialist 1 Richard Mastracchio
Third spaceflight
Mission Specialist 2
Flight Engineer 		Dorothy M. Metcalf-Lindenburger
Only spaceflight
Mission Specialist 3 Stephanie Wilson
Third spaceflight
Mission Specialist 4 Naoko Yamazaki, JAXA
Only spaceflight
Mission Specialist 5 Clayton Anderson
Second and last spaceflight
Notes:
  • This was the final Space Shuttle mission with a seven person crew.
  • It was the final Space Shuttle crew with any "rookie" astronauts; all of the remaining missions would have all-veteran crews.[9]
  • The launch was the last shuttle mission to take place at night.
  • STS-131 was the third and last mission in the Space Shuttle program with three female astronauts. STS-40 and STS-96 were the first two.[10]
  • STS-131 marked the first time two Japanese astronauts, Naoko Yamazaki from the shuttle crew and Soichi Noguchi on the ISS, were in space together.[11]
  • Expedition 23 Flight Engineer Tracy Caldwell Dyson was on the ISS at the time. This made STS-131 the first time four women have been in space at once.[12]
  • Naoko Yamazaki was the last Japanese astronaut to fly on the Space Shuttle.

Crew seat assignments

[edit]
Seat[13] Launch Landing
Seats 1–4 are on the flight deck.
Seats 5–7 are on the mid-deck.
1 Poindexter
2 Dutton
3 Mastracchio Anderson
4 Metcalf-Lindenburger
5 Wilson
6 Yamazaki
7 Anderson Mastracchio

Mission payload

[edit]

Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo

[edit]

The primary payload of STS-131 was the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Leonardo.[14] The MPLM was filled with food and science supplies for the International Space Station (ISS). The MPLM also carried the third and final Minus Eighty Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI), Window Orbital Research Facility (WORF), one Crew Quarters Rack, the Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise (MARES) rack, Resupply Stowage Racks (RSRs), and Resupply Stowage Platforms (RSPs).[15]

Lightweight Multi-Purpose Equipment Support Structure Carrier

[edit]

The Lightweight Multi-Purpose Equipment Support Structure Carrier (LMC) carried a refurbished Ammonia Tank Assembly (ATA) to the ISS. The refurbished ATA was removed from the Space Station and returned for use on this mission during STS-128. It was swapped with an empty tank which will ride home on the LMC.[15]

LMC with ATAs STS-131. Note that the MISSE-6 FSE return was deferred to STS-133.
Location Cargo Mass
Bays 1–2 Orbiter Docking System
EMU 3008 / EMU 3017 		1,800 kilograms (4,000 lb)
~260 kilograms (570 lb)
Bay 4P Shuttle Power
Distribution Unit (SPDU) 		~18 kilograms (40 lb)
Bay 7S ROEU 751A umbilical 127 kilograms (280 lb)
Bays 7–12 Leonardo (MPLM FM-1) 12,371 kilograms (27,273 lb)
Bay 13 Lightweight MPESS Carrier (LMC) 1,764 kilograms (3,889 lb)
Starboard Sill Orbiter Boom Sensor System 382 kilograms (842 lb)
Port Sill Canadarm 410 kilograms (900 lb)
Total: 15,332 kilograms (33,801 lb)

TriDAR

[edit]

This mission was the second flight of the TriDAR, a 3D dual-sensing laser camera, intended for potential use as an autonomous rendezvous and docking sensor. TriDAR provides guidance information that can be used to guide a vehicle during rendezvous and docking operations in space. TriDAR does not rely on any reference markers, such as reflectors, positioned on the target spacecraft. To achieve this, it relies on a laser based 3D sensor and a thermal imager. Geometric information contained in successive 3D images is matched against the known shape of the target object to calculate its position and orientation in real-time. The TriDAR tracked the ISS position and orientation from the shuttle during docking, undocking, and flyaround operations.[16]

Mission milestones

[edit]
The first time four women were in space at the same time.
Mission poster, designed in the Armageddon theme

The mission marked:[17]

  • 162nd NASA crewed space flight
  • 131st shuttle mission since STS-1
  • 38th flight of Discovery
  • 33rd shuttle mission to the ISS
  • 106th post-Challenger mission
  • 18th post-Columbia mission
  • 35th and last night launch of a shuttle, 22nd night launch from launch pad 39A
  • 2nd "descending node" entry since 2003

Shuttle processing

[edit]

Space Shuttle Discovery was moved from its hangar in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) 3 to the nearby Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) on February 22, 2010.[18][19] The rollover was completed around 10:30 EST. According to NASA, the rollover occurred a day earlier than announced to take advantage of favorable weather in advance of poor conditions forecasted on the next day.[20][21]

An earlier plan to move Discovery into the VAB on February 12, 2010, was delayed because of cold weather at the Kennedy Space Center.[6][22] For the rollover, temperatures in the VAB had to be above 45 °F (7 °C) for more than twelve hours because Discovery was not attached to any heating purges to protect its systems from potential damage from the cold.[23]

Space Shuttle Discovery began its trip, known as the rollout, to LC-39A at 23:58 EST on March 2, 2010. The complete shuttle stack and mobile launcher platform were secured to the LC-39A structure at 6:49 EST on March 3, 2010.[24] The 3.4 mi (5.5 km) trek took 6 hours 51 minutes to complete. The rollout was delayed 24 hours by the threat of lightning from a passing cold front. That weather moved away, and the stiff wind gusts blowing on Florida's Space Coast on the next day were not a factor for the rollout. Ahead of the rollout, engineers noticed some damage caused by birds to the External Tank (ET-135), which was repaired inside the VAB. Birds had managed to reach the tank, and pecked away at the Thermal Protection System (TPS) foam.[25]

  • Space Shuttle Discovery rolls toward the Vehicle Assembly Building.
    Space Shuttle Discovery rolls toward the Vehicle Assembly Building.
  • Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Pad 39A.
    Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Pad 39A.
  • International Space Station (bottom right) passes over the Cape 15 minutes prior to launch.
    International Space Station (bottom right) passes over the Cape 15 minutes prior to launch.

Mission timeline

[edit]

April 5 (Flight Day 1 – Launch)

[edit]

Discovery lifted off successfully at 06:21 EDT, marking this launch as the last night launch in the Space Shuttle program. After the 8 1/2-minute ride to space, Discovery's seven person crew began configuring the orbiter from a launch vehicle to an orbital vehicle. Commander Alan Poindexter and pilot Jim Dutton, with help from mission specialist 2 Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, also performed a series of engine firings or burns to adjust their speed and refine their path to the International Space Station. While the engine burns were going on, the rest of the crew opened the payload bay doors, set up the computers and Ku band antenna. The antenna suffered a failure during normal checkout and setup on orbit.[26] Due to the failure, the normal downlink of imagery of the external tank was not completed.[27] The crew on board will monitor the inspections of the thermal protection system (TPS) in real time and will note any spots of interest and let the ground know while downlinking the imagery after docking.[28] The dish antenna also serves as a radar antenna, measuring the distance to the space station.

  • The failed Ku band dish antenna
    The failed Ku band dish antenna
  • Discovery lifts off Launch Pad 39A
    Discovery lifts off Launch Pad 39A
  • Launch video (9 min 55 secs)

April 6 (Flight Day 2 – Inspections)

[edit]

The seven person crew of STS-131 was awakened to begin their first full day in space on Flight Day 2. Due to the lack of Ku-band communication, changes to the crews daily plan were read up for them to write out. After their post sleep activities, commander Alan Poindexter and pilot Jim Dutton fired Discovery's Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) engines to correct and further refine the shuttle's path to the ISS. Astronauts Naoko Yamazaki and Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger began activating and checking out the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS) also known as the Canadarm.[29] While Metcalf-Lindenburger and Yamazaki were working with Canadarm, Stephanie Wilson was getting equipment together and set up to record the inspections of the shuttle's heat shield.[30] The inspections were recorded so they could be downlinked to the ground once docked to the ISS. Once all that work was done, commander Poindexter and pilot Dutton joined Metcalf-Lindenburger, Yamazaki, and Wilson to conduct the inspection of the shuttle's heat shield. While the inspection was going on, Rick Mastracchio and Clayton Anderson were on the mid-deck of Discovery checking out the Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMU) and getting them ready for their three spacewalks. The last portion of the crew day was spent preparing and checking out all of the tools used during rendezvous.

April 7 (Flight Day 3 – Docking)

[edit]

Space Shuttle Discovery successfully docked with the space station at 07:44 UTC (03:44 EDT) on April 7, 2010, as the two spacecraft sailed 220 miles above the Caribbean.[31][32] The crew performed six successful engine firings to set up the on-time docking. Prior to docking commander Poindexter guided Discovery through the standard Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver (RPM). Station commander Oleg Kotov and flight engineer T.J. Creamer took more than 350 photos of Discovery's heat shield. Once Discovery docked to the International Space Station (ISS), a series of leak checks were done on both sides of the hatch by the shuttle and station crews. The hatches between the two vehicles were opened at 09:11 UTC (05:11 EDT), which was 30 minutes earlier than planned.[33] Once the hatches were opened the STS-131 crew got a safety briefing from the station crew, then began to transfer items that would be needed for later in the day and early on flight day 4. Two items that were transferred were the two EMUs that will be used for the three spacewalks. The crew also completed a grapple of the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) with the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) also known as Canadarm2. Once the OBSS was grappled it was unberthed from the starboard sill of the space shuttle payload bay, and handed off to the SRMS. Throughout the day, after docking to the station, the shuttle crew began downlinking all of the inspection video from flight day 2, and launch imagery and video.

  • Aft portion of Discovery, including the three main engines, during the RPM.
    Aft portion of Discovery, including the three main engines, during the RPM.
  • View of the underside of the crew cabin of Discovery during the RPM.
    View of the underside of the crew cabin of Discovery during the RPM.
  • Discovery approaches the Space Station for docking.
    Discovery approaches the Space Station for docking.
  • Kibo, photographed by a crew member while Discovery was docked with the station.
    Kibo, photographed by a crew member while Discovery was docked with the station.

April 8 (Flight Day 4 – MPLM ingress)

[edit]

On flight day 4, Stephanie Wilson and Naoko Yamazaki grappled and berthed the Multi-purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Leonardo.[34] The MPLM was berthed to the station at 04:24 UTC (00:24 EDT). The hatches were opened by station flight engineer Soichi Noguchi and shuttle mission specialist Clayton Anderson at 11:58 UTC (07:58 EDT). The joint STS-131/Expedition 23 crews began transferring cargo from the MPLM, with the first item being a Rate Gyro Assembly (RGA) which will be replaced on the first spacewalk of the mission. During flight day 4, commander Alan Poindexter did several in-flight interviews. Commander Poindexter was joined by mission specialists Rick Mastracchio and Stephanie Wilson. The interviews were with the Tom Joyner Radio Show, WVIT-TV and Fox News Radio.[35] At the end of the day, Mastracchio and Anderson entered the Quest airlock and begin breathing pure oxygen for an hour, while the atmospheric pressure inside the airlock was lowered to 10.2 psi. This procedure is known as the pre-breathe protocol and is done before every spacewalk, to purge nitrogen from the blood stream and prevent decompression sickness.[36]

  • Stephanie Wilson and Naoko Yamazaki in the Cupola.
    Stephanie Wilson and Naoko Yamazaki in the Cupola.
  • Wilson in the US lab
    Wilson in the US lab
  • Robotic workstation
    Robotic workstation
  • The crew sorting out blueprints in the Japanese Experiment Module
    The crew sorting out blueprints in the Japanese Experiment Module
  • Wilson relaxing in the Cupola
    Wilson relaxing in the Cupola

April 9 (Flight Day 5 – EVA 1)

[edit]

Flight day 5 saw the completion of the first spacewalk by Rick Mastracchio and Clayton Anderson.[37] The pair released the new ammonia tank assembly for transfer to station for installation on a later spacewalk. They also removed an experiment from outside on the Kibo Exposed Facility, replaced a Rate Gyro Assembly (RGA) and performed several get-ahead tasks. The spacewalking pair was assisted by the SSRMS which was operated by pilot Jim Dutton and mission specialist Stephanie Wilson. While the spacewalk took place, Naoko Yamazaki was assisted by commander Alan Poindexter, and the Expedition 23 crew to move several of the large science racks from the MPLM Leonardo to their new location on the ISS.[38]

  • Highlights from the first spacewalk (21 mins 43 secs).
  • Mastracchio during EVA 1.
    Mastracchio during EVA 1.
  • The crew enjoying time off
    The crew enjoying time off

April 10 (Flight Day 6 – Transfers)

[edit]

Flight day 6 was dedicated to transferring supplies from the MPLM Leonardo and the Space Shuttle mid-deck. The crews transferred the Windows Observational Research Facility (WORF) to the Destiny lab. Mission specialist Naoko Yamazaki, along with flight engineer Soichi Noguchi also transferred the Express Rack 7 (ER7) to its final location. During the crews morning, a smoke alarm sounded in the Russian segment of the station, which prompted the joint crew to move into emergency procedures. However the alarm was false and was cleared within a couple of minutes and all normal work resumed. Mission specialists Clay Anderson, Rick Mastracchio and Stephanie Wilson conducted in-flight interviews with Nebraska Public Radio, CBS Newspath and Radio Network and KETV-TV in Omaha, Nebraska.[39] Later in the day commander Alan Poindexter, pilot Jim Dutton and mission specialist Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger talked with students at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. At the end of the crews work day, the joint crew got together and reviewed the procedures for the second spacewalk. After the procedures review spacewalkers Clay Anderson and Rick Mastracchio entered the Quest airlock, closed the hatch and lowered the inside pressure to 10.2 psi. The pair also breathed pure oxygen for an hour while the pressure was being lowered.[40]

  • Flight Day 6 highlights (19 minutes 58 seconds).
  • Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger inside the MPLM Leonardo.
    Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger inside the MPLM Leonardo.
  • Stephanie Wilson with technical blueprints in Node 1
    Stephanie Wilson with technical blueprints in Node 1

April 11 (Flight Day 7 – EVA 2)

[edit]

On flight day 7, astronauts Clay Anderson and Rick Mastracchio performed their second spacewalk of the STS-131 mission. Mastracchio and Anderson exited the airlock at 05:30 UTC, a full 45 minutes ahead of the planned time, and spent 7 hours and 26 minutes outside the ISS.[41] The pair removed the old Ammonia Tank Assembly (ATA) from the S1 truss and installed the new ATA. Anderson and Mastracchio ran into a small problem when one of the four bolts that holds the tank in place wouldn't turn. They loosened the other three and tried them all again and the fourth bolt was successfully tightened. The two spacewalkers helped guide the SSRMS to temporarily stow the old ATA on the truss structure. The new ATA had its electrical connections made, but the fluid connections were deferred until the third spacewalk since the EVA was behind the time-line. Mastracchio and Anderson also installed two radiator grapple fixture stowage beams on the P1 truss. While Anderson and Mastracchio were outside, members of the STS-131 crew continued transferring items from Space Shuttle Discovery's mid-deck and the MPLM Leonardo. Overall, the crew had completed about half of the transfer work.

  • Highlights from the second spacewalk (23 mins 54 secs)
  • Group photo while in the cupola observing the EVA
    Group photo while in the cupola observing the EVA
  • Mastracchio during EVA 2.
    Mastracchio during EVA 2.

April 12 (Flight Day 8 – Off duty)

[edit]
Astronaut Clayton Anderson playing with a water bubble.

The joint STS-131/Expedition 23 crews had the morning off on flight day 8. After their morning off the crews continued their transfer activities, which are more than seventy percent complete. The crews also conducted several PAO events, including VIP events with Roscosmos, Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, RSC Energia, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japanese students, astronaut Mamoru Mohri, and Japanese dignitaries. Later, commander Alan Poindexter, pilot Jim Dutton, and mission specialists Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger and Stephanie Wilson participated in an in-flight interview with several American media outlets including Fox News, ABC World News, and MSNBC. While the PAO events took place, Rick Mastracchio and Clay Anderson were preparing the spacesuits and tools they will use for the third and final spacewalk. Later in the day the pair will have a procedures review with other members of the ISS and shuttle crews. After the review, they will enter the airlock, close the hatch and lower the pressure to 10.2 psi and breathe pure oxygen for their campout.[42]

April 13 (Flight Day 9 – EVA 3)

[edit]

On flight day 9, Rick Mastracchio and Clay Anderson completed the third and final spacewalk of the STS-131 mission. Their tasks included hooking up the ammonia and nitrogen lines to the new Ammonia Tank Assembly (ATA), installing the old ATA in the shuttle's payload bay, retrieving some Micro-Meteoroid Orbital Debris (MMOD) shields, bolting a grapple bar (which had been removed from the old ATA) onto the new ATA, and preparation of some cables on the Z1 truss and tools to be used during STS-132. During the installation of the old ATA in Discovery's payload bay, the spacewalkers had some problems securing a bolt on the ATA to the LMC.[43] The spacewalk took 6 hours and 24 minutes, bringing the total EVA time to 20 hours and 19 minutes. While the EVA was going on, commander Alan Poindexter and mission specialist Naoko Yamazaki continued transferring items from the MPLM to the ISS. Transfer is more than seventy-five percent complete.

  • Highlights from flight day 9 (38 mins 14 secs).
  • Mastracchio and Anderson working in Discovery's aft payload bay during EVA 3.
    Mastracchio and Anderson working in Discovery's aft payload bay during EVA 3.
  • Clayton Anderson during EVA 3.
    Clayton Anderson during EVA 3.
  • Stephanie Wilson and James Dutton in the US lab robotic workstation area
    Stephanie Wilson and James Dutton in the US lab robotic workstation area

April 14 (Flight Day 10 – Final transfers/off duty)

[edit]

The crew of STS-131 continued with transfer activities on the morning of flight day 10. The morning was devoted largely to transferring items to the MPLM Leonardo. There are only a few items awaiting transfer to Space Shuttle Discovery's mid-deck left. The crew enjoyed an hour long mid-day meal with the Expedition 23 crew. The entire joint crew took part in a crew photo, which was followed by a joint crew news conference with U.S., Russian and Japanese media. Later in the day, commander Alan Poindexter, mission specialists Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Stephanie Wilson, and Clayton Anderson took time out to talk with students from Eastern Guilford High School in Gibsonville, North Carolina and with third and fourth graders from that school district. The majority of the crews afternoon was spent off duty.[44]

  • Naoko Yamazaki eats a snack in the Kibo laboratory.
    Naoko Yamazaki eats a snack in the Kibo laboratory.
  • STS-131 and Expedition 23 crew members gather for a group portrait.
    STS-131 and Expedition 23 crew members gather for a group portrait.

April 15 (Flight Day 11 – MPLM unberthing)

[edit]

On flight day 11, the MPLM Leonardos hatches were closed at 07:38 UTC (03:38 EDT) and the MPLM was unberthed from the nadir or Earth facing port of the Harmony node at 20:24 UTC (16:24 EDT). It was placed in a low hover, about 3 feet (0.91 m) above Shuttle Discovery's payload bay. This was done because the MPLM was unberthed from Harmony later than planned. The delay in unberthing was caused by a set of bolts on the Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) getting stuck due to a broken pin. The crew will finish putting Leonardo in the payload bay on flight day 12, prior to the docked late inspection.[45] The crews conducted some transfer operations between the ISS and shuttle mid-deck, which brings the overall transfer operations to ninety-four percent complete for the mission.

April 16 (Flight Day 12 – Late inspection)

[edit]
The MPLM Leonardo secured in Discovery's payload bay.

On flight day 12, the crew of Space Shuttle Discovery secured the MPLM Leonardo in the payload bay for return to Earth.[46] Mission specialist Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger activated the latches to secure Leonardo in the payload bay at 07:15 UTC (03:15 EDT). After Leonardo was secured, Metcalf-Lindenburger, pilot Jim Dutton began the late inspection of Discovery's heat shield. The pair were joined by commander Alan Poindexter and mission specialist Naoko Yamazaki to complete the inspection of the shuttle's Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the wings and nose and the heat-resistant tiles. The scan, which takes about 7 hours, was completed 3 hours ahead of schedule,[47] and it was done while still docked to the International Space Station (ISS) due to the loss of the shuttle's Ku-Band antenna.[48]

April 17 (Flight Day 13 – Undocking)

[edit]

Space Shuttle Discovery successfully undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) at 12:52 UTC (08:52 EDT).[49] Discovery was docked to the ISS for 10 days, 5 hours, and 8 minutes. After Discovery departed from the ISS, pilot Jim Dutton took control of the shuttle and performed a fly around of the space station. The undocking was preceded by a farewell ceremony, where shuttle commander Alan Poindexter and station commander Oleg Kotov said farewells on behalf of their crews.[50] After undocking the shuttle crew stowed the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) and the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS) since they will not be needed for the rest of the flight. The crew was also informed that Discovery's heat shield was cleared for re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.[51]

  • Space Shuttle Discovery flies around the ISS after undocking (44 mins 7 secs).
  • Discovery separates from the Space Station.
    Discovery separates from the Space Station.
  • The underside of Discovery soon after post-undocking relative separation.
    The underside of Discovery soon after post-undocking relative separation.
  • ISS seen from Discovery after undocking.
    ISS seen from Discovery after undocking.

April 18 (Flight Day 14 – Landing prep)

[edit]

On flight day 14, the crew of Space Shuttle Discovery began their final preparations for landing. The crew packed and stowed away items they no longer need for the rest of the flight. Throughout the day, commander Alan Poindexter and pilot Jim Dutton completed a series of checkouts of flight systems. These checks include 2 firings of the Reaction Control System (RCS) jets and a test of the Flight Control System (FCS). Once those checkouts were complete the pair began doing communications checkouts with the Merritt Island tracking station and tracking stations at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico and Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. The crew also took time out of their day to conduct an in-flight interview with WBZ-AM in Boston, Massachusetts; the Associated Press; and KEZI-TV in Eugene.[52]

April 19 (Flight day 15 – First landing opportunity)

[edit]

The crew of STS-131 awoke for flight day 15 and began their deorbit preparations. These preparations include closing the payload bay doors, activating the Flash Evaporator System (FES) and getting into their Advanced Crew Escape Suits (ACES). The crew got as far as "fluid loading", where the crew consumes a set quantity of fluids to counteract the effects of gravity, in their deorbit preps. The crew was informed of the one orbit wave off about one hour prior to the deorbit burn. After the crew was told of the wave off, they held in their procedures to see if they would be given a go for the second landing opportunity. However, they were not given a go for the second chance and the crew began backing out of their deorbit preps. Both landing chances were waved off due to bad weather at the Kennedy Space Center.[53]

April 20 (Flight day 16 – Landing)

[edit]

Space Shuttle Discovery landed at 09:08 EDT (13:08 UTC) on runway 33 at Florida's Kennedy Space Center following a two-week mission in space.[54][55]

  • Landing video (7 mins 49 secs).
  • Discovery lands on runway 33 at KSC ending the STS-131 mission.
    Discovery lands on runway 33 at KSC ending the STS-131 mission.
  • Flyover cities during the landing.
    Flyover cities during the landing.
  • Crew on the tarmac.
    Crew on the tarmac.

Spacewalks

[edit]

At least three spacewalks were planned for this mission.[2] The main objectives for the three EVAs were as follows:

EVA[56] Spacewalkers[57] Start (UTC) End (UTC) Duration
EVA 1 Rick Mastracchio
Clayton Anderson 		April 9, 2010
05:31 		April 9, 2010
11:58 		6 hours 27 minutes
The crew inside used the station's robotic arm to remove a new ammonia tank from shuttle's payload bay and temporarily stow it on the station. The spacewalkers then retrieved a seed experiment from outside the Japanese laboratory, installed a grapple bar to the new ammonia tank on the station's truss and replaced a failed gyroscope that is part of the station's navigation system, along with several get-ahead tasks.
EVA 2 Mastracchio
Anderson 		April 11, 2010
05:30 		April 11, 2010
12:56 		7 hours 26 minutes
Crew members, using the station's arm, removed an empty ammonia tank from the station's truss and temporarily stowed it on an equipment cart. The new tank was then installed and electrical connections were made to it. The station's arm then temporarily stowed the old tank on another part of the station's structure until the mission's third spacewalk.
EVA 3 Mastracchio
Anderson 		April 13, 2010
06:14 		April 13, 2010
12:36 		6 hours 24 minutes
Using the station's arm, the crew moved the old tank into the shuttle's payload bay for return to Earth. The spacewalkers also removed a grapple bar from the old ammonia tank and attached it to the new one. The pair then relocated a foot restraint and some tools and prepared some cables for the STS-132 mission.

Wake-up calls

[edit]

NASA began a tradition of playing music to astronauts during the Gemini program, which was first used to wake up a flight crew during Apollo 15. Each track is specially chosen, often by their families, and usually has a special meaning to an individual member of the crew, or is applicable to their daily activities.[58][59]

Flight Day Song Artist Played for Links
Day 2 "Find Us Faithful" Steve Green Clay Anderson WAV, MP3
TRANSCRIPT
Day 3 "I Will Rise" Chris Tomlin Jim Dutton WAV, MP3
TRANSCRIPT
Day 4 "Hato to Shōnen" (The Pigeons and a Boy) Joe Hisaishi Naoko Yamazaki WAV, MP3
TRANSCRIPT
Day 5 "Defying Gravity" Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger WAV, MP3
TRANSCRIPT
Day 6 "We Weren't Born to Follow" Bon Jovi Rick Mastracchio WAV, MP3
TRANSCRIPT
Day 7 "Stairway To The Stars" Ella Fitzgerald Stephanie Wilson WAV, MP3
TRANSCRIPT
Day 8 "Because We Believe" Andrea Bocelli Alan Poindexter WAV, MP3
TRANSCRIPT
Day 9 "Galileo" Indigo Girls Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger WAV, MP3
TRANSCRIPT
Day 10 "The Miracle of Flight" Mike Hyden Clay Anderson WAV, MP3
TRANSCRIPT
Day 11 "The Earth in the Color of Lapis Lazuli" Seiko Matsuda Naoko Yamazaki WAV, MP3
TRANSCRIPT
Day 12 Opening theme to Stargate SG-1 Joel Goldsmith Rick Mastracchio WAV, MP3
TRANSCRIPT
Day 13 "Joy" Newsboys Jim Dutton WAV, MP3
TRANSCRIPT
Day 14 "What A Wonderful World" Louis Armstrong Stephanie Wilson WAV, MP3
TRANSCRIPT
Day 15 "Star Spangled Banner" Alan Poindexter WAV, MP3
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Day 16 "On The Road Again" Willie Nelson The entire crew WAV, MP3
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STS-131

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STS-131 was a NASA Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station (ISS) that launched on April 5, 2010, aboard the orbiter Discovery, delivering critical supplies, scientific equipment, and performing maintenance tasks during a 15-day flight designated as ISS assembly mission 19A.[1] The mission's primary objectives included transporting the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Leonardo, loaded with over 16 racks of experiments, spare parts, and crew provisions weighing approximately 27,000 pounds, to the ISS for transfer to station laboratories; replacing a degraded ammonia tank assembly on the station's starboard truss to restore cooling system functionality; and installing new research facilities such as the Muscle Atrophy Research and Exercise System (MARES), the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF), the Minus Eighty Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS-3 (MELFI-3), and additional stowage racks.[1][2] Secondary goals encompassed conducting in-flight experiments on topics like human physiology, materials science, and plant growth, as well as retrieving payloads such as the Japanese Space Environment Exposure Device (SEED) and a lightweight adapter plate for return to Earth.[2] The crew of seven—Commander Alan G. Poindexter, Pilot James P. Dutton Jr., and Mission Specialists Rick Mastracchio, Stephanie Wilson, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Naoko Yamazaki, and Clayton C. Anderson—docked with the ISS's Harmony module on April 7, 2010, after a two-day rendezvous, enabling joint operations with Expedition 23 residents.[1][2] During the docked phase, the crew executed three extravehicular activities (EVAs) totaling nearly 20 hours, led by Mastracchio and Anderson, to swap the ammonia tank, stage spare parts, and retrieve experiment hardware, marking the 141st, 142nd, and 143rd spacewalks in ISS history.[1][2] Discovery undocked from the ISS on April 17, 2010, following the transfer of about 13,000 pounds of items from the station, including trash and a spent ammonia tank.[1] The mission concluded with a landing at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on April 20, 2010, at 9:08 a.m. EDT, after 238 orbits and a duration of 15 days, 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 10 seconds—Discovery's longest flight and the final night launch of the Space Shuttle program.[1][3] STS-131 stood out for its diverse crew, featuring three female mission specialists (Wilson, Metcalf-Lindenburger, and Yamazaki) on the shuttle, which—combined with astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson aboard the ISS—achieved the first instance of four women in space simultaneously; it also marked the first time two Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronauts (Yamazaki and Akihiko Hoshide) were in orbit at once.[1][2] As the 33rd shuttle mission to the ISS, it advanced station outfitting ahead of the program's 2010 retirement, emphasizing logistics resupply and scientific continuity in low Earth orbit.[1]

Mission Background

Overview

STS-131 (ISS assembly flight 19A) was the 131st Space Shuttle mission, the 33rd dedicated to the International Space Station, and the 162nd NASA crewed spaceflight.[4][1][3] The mission launched aboard Space Shuttle Discovery from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on April 5, 2010, at 06:21 EDT, marking Discovery's 38th flight and the final nighttime launch of the Space Shuttle program.[5][6][7] Discovery docked with the ISS on April 7, 2010, to deliver essential supplies and hardware. The mission concluded with a landing at Kennedy Space Center on April 20, 2010, at 09:08 EDT, after a duration of 15 days, 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 10 seconds, completing 238 orbits and traveling 10,029,810 kilometers.[7][1][8] The primary objectives focused on resupplying the ISS using the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, replacing a starboard ammonia tank assembly on the S1 truss during three spacewalks, and testing the TriDAR autonomous rendezvous sensor for future missions.[4][9] These efforts supported ongoing ISS assembly and maintenance as the Shuttle program approached its conclusion.[1]

Objectives

The primary objective of STS-131 was to deliver and install a refurbished Ammonia Tank Assembly (ATA) on the S1 truss of the International Space Station (ISS) to ensure the continued functionality of the station's cooling systems, with the old ATA being removed and stored on the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier (LMC) for return to Earth.[4] This replacement was critical for maintaining the thermal control system that dissipates heat from the ISS's electronics and habitats.[4] A key resupply objective involved transferring approximately 12,371 kilograms (27,274 pounds) of supplies, equipment, and science payloads from the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) to the ISS, including food provisions, water, spare parts, and specialized racks such as the Minus Eighty-Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI-3) for biological sample storage, the Muscle Atrophy Research and Exercise System (MARES) for studying human muscle response in microgravity, the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF) for Earth and space observations, a crew quarters rack to enhance living accommodations, and utilization racks like EXPRESS Rack No. 7 for ongoing experiments.[4] These transfers, estimated to require about 100 combined hours of work between the shuttle middeck and MPLM, aimed to sustain the six-person Expedition 23 crew by providing essential logistical support and advancing scientific research in areas like human physiology and materials science.[4] The mission also featured a technology demonstration objective to test the TriDAR (Triangulation and LiDAR Automated Rendezvous and Docking) system, a 3D laser camera and thermal imager designed to enable autonomous shuttle-to-ISS rendezvous without relying on traditional GPS or reference markers, marking its second flight evaluation.[4] Secondary goals included conducting three extravehicular activities (EVAs), each planned for 6.5 hours and led by mission specialists Rick Mastracchio and Clayton Anderson, to facilitate the ATA replacement, retrieve payloads such as the Lightweight Adapter Plate Assembly and Japanese Experiment Module SEED, and maximize overall cargo handling efficiency while supporting Expedition 23 operations.[4]

Crew

Composition and Roles

The STS-131 crew consisted of seven astronauts, representing a mix of NASA personnel and an international partner from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).[4] This composition included Commander Alan G. Poindexter, a U.S. Navy captain on his second spaceflight after serving as pilot on STS-122 in 2008; Pilot James P. Dutton Jr., a U.S. Air Force colonel on his first spaceflight; and five mission specialists: Richard Mastracchio, on his third flight following STS-106 (2000) and STS-118 (2007), serving as lead for extravehicular activities (EVAs); Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, a former teacher-astronaut on her first flight; Stephanie Wilson, on her third flight after STS-121 (2006) and STS-120 (2007); Naoko Yamazaki, a JAXA astronaut on her first flight; and Clayton C. Anderson, on his second flight after a 152-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during Expedition 15 in 2007, acting as the mission's ISS liaison.[4]
Crew MemberRoleAgency/BranchFlight Experience
Alan G. PoindexterCommanderNASA/USN2nd (STS-122)
James P. Dutton Jr.PilotNASA/USAF1st
Richard MastracchioMission Specialist (EVA Lead)NASA3rd (STS-106, STS-118)
Dorothy Metcalf-LindenburgerMission SpecialistNASA1st
Stephanie WilsonMission SpecialistNASA3rd (STS-121, STS-120)
Naoko YamazakiMission SpecialistJAXA1st
Clayton C. AndersonMission Specialist (ISS Liaison)NASA2nd (ISS Expedition 15)
The crew's diversity was notable, featuring three female astronauts—Metcalf-Lindenburger, Wilson, and Yamazaki—which, combined with ISS crew member Tracy Caldwell Dyson, marked the first time four women were in space simultaneously.[1] It also included the first instance of two JAXA astronauts in orbit at once, with Yamazaki joining ISS resident Soichi Noguchi.[1] This seven-member team, with three rookies (Dutton, Metcalf-Lindenburger, and Yamazaki), reflected the mission's emphasis on collaborative international operations and STEM outreach, particularly highlighting women in space exploration.[4] Poindexter directed overall mission operations, including rendezvous, docking, and landing maneuvers.[4] Dutton supported piloting duties, led shuttle robotics for payload handling, and prepared the airlock for EVAs.[4] Mastracchio and Anderson led the three planned EVAs to install and replace ISS components, drawing on their prior spacewalk experience.[4] The remaining specialists focused on cargo transfers from the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, science experiment setup, robotic arm operations for both shuttle and station, and joint activities with the Expedition 23 crew during the docked phase.[4]

Assignments and Training

The STS-131 crew assignments included specific seating positions for launch and entry to optimize operations during critical phases. Commander Alan G. Poindexter occupied seat 1, Pilot James P. Dutton Jr. seat 2, Mission Specialist Richard Mastracchio seat 3 as flight engineer and lead EVA crewmember, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger seat 4 as primary robotic arm operator, Stephanie Wilson seat 5 as transfer coordinator, Naoko Yamazaki seat 6 as backup robotic arm operator, and Clayton C. Anderson seat 7 as EVA backup and ISS liaison.[10] These positions ensured that key personnel, such as the commander and pilot, had direct access to flight controls, while mission specialists were positioned for rapid response to payload and station-related tasks. In-flight responsibilities were tailored to the mission's logistics resupply focus, with Poindexter overseeing overall operations and rendezvous, Dutton assisting in piloting and leading shuttle arm activities, Mastracchio and Anderson handling extravehicular activities for hardware exchanges, Metcalf-Lindenburger coordinating intravehicular support and arm operations for payload berthing, Wilson managing cargo transfers between vehicles, and Yamazaki serving as loadmaster for payload integration and backups. Pre-mission training for the STS-131 crew spanned approximately 18 months, commencing after their assignment in late 2008 and intensifying through simulations at NASA's Johnson Space Center. This preparation encompassed integrated rehearsals for emergency procedures, such as abort scenarios and system failures, conducted in the Shuttle Mission Simulator to replicate full mission timelines. Crew members participated in cargo transfer drills to practice the movement of over 6 tons of supplies and experiments between the shuttle and International Space Station, emphasizing efficiency during the limited docked period. Robotic arm operations training focused on berthing the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, with Metcalf-Lindenburger and Wilson practicing on the shuttle's Canadarm, while Yamazaki trained on the station's SSRMS for handover and unberthing maneuvers. EVA-specific training was rigorous for Mastracchio and Anderson, who conducted multiple sessions in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory to simulate the replacement of the Ammonia Tank Assembly, including suit-ups, airlock egress, and tool handling in a weightless environment mimicking the Quest airlock.[11] These neutral buoyancy exercises, totaling dozens of hours, incorporated the campout protocol to precondition the crew for spacewalk physiology by lowering cabin pressure and purging nitrogen. All crew members also trained on the Orbital Boom Sensor System inspection procedures to verify the shuttle's thermal protection during ascent and orbit. Unique elements of the training highlighted individual backgrounds and international collaboration. Metcalf-Lindenburger, selected as an Educator Astronaut, incorporated outreach preparation, including scripting educational videos on robotics and conducting downlink sessions to classrooms to inspire STEM interest, aligning with NASA's emphasis on public engagement for this mission.[12] Yamazaki's regimen included JAXA-specific modules on International Space Station integration, such as handling payloads for the Kibo laboratory, including biological experiments, to ensure seamless coordination with Japanese module operations during transfers.[13]

Payload

Leonardo MPLM

The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Leonardo is an Italian-built pressurized logistics carrier, constructed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) for NASA and originally adapted from a European Spacelab long module for transporting cargo to and from the International Space Station (ISS). Measuring approximately 6.6 meters in length and 4.57 meters in diameter, it provides a habitable volume of 31 cubic meters and is designed for multiple shuttle flights to deliver and return supplies in a shirt-sleeve environment.[4][14] For the STS-131 mission, Leonardo was configured as a resupply vehicle carrying a total cargo mass of 12,371 kilograms at launch, including equipment, experiments, and provisions destined for the ISS, with provisions for return cargo as well. Key contents included the Minus Eighty Degree Laboratory Freezer (MELFI-3), a 300-liter unit for storing biological and scientific samples at -80°C to support ongoing ISS research; the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF), a 0.8-cubic-meter facility equipped with high-resolution optics for Earth observation and remote sensing experiments; and the Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise Supplementary Study (MARES) rack, which enables investigations into the effects of microgravity on human muscle function through resistive exercise protocols. Additionally, the module housed the final ISS crew quarters rack (CQ-4), providing private sleeping accommodations with integrated noise reduction and environmental controls, along with general resupply items such as food, clothing, and scientific supplies organized in 7 Resupply Stowage Platforms (RSPs) and 4 Resupply Stowage Racks (RSRs), contributing to a total of 16 racks (4 experiment racks, 1 systems rack, and the resupply units).[4][1] During STS-131, Leonardo was lifted from Discovery's payload bay and berthed to the Earth-facing port of the Harmony node using the ISS's robotic arm (SSRMS) on flight day 4, allowing crewmembers to transfer cargo over several days. This marked the module's seventh and final round-trip flight as an MPLM before its relocation and permanent attachment to the ISS during STS-133 in 2011, where it was outfitted and renamed the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) for long-term storage of spares, supplies, and waste.[4][15]

Ammonia Tank Assembly

The Lightweight Multi-Purpose Equipment Support Structure Carrier (LMC) served as an unpressurized platform in Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay to transport the refurbished Ammonia Tank Assembly (ATA) during the STS-131 mission.[16] The LMC, weighing approximately 1,100 pounds empty, had a launch mass of about 3,890 pounds when loaded with the ATA, facilitating the delivery of this critical spare component to the International Space Station (ISS).[16] The ATA is a nitrogen-repressurizable tank designed to store and supply ammonia for the ISS's External Active Thermal Control System (EATCS), which circulates coolant to regulate temperatures across the station's truss structure.[17] This cylindrical Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU), weighing around 1,800 pounds, was a spare unit previously retrieved from the ISS during STS-128 and refurbished for reuse.[7] It was intended to replace a degraded ATA on the S1 truss, ensuring reliable ammonia flow to maintain the station's thermal balance amid ongoing coolant losses.[18] Refurbishment of the ATA occurred at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, where Boeing personnel processed the unit in the Space Station Processing Facility following its return from orbit.[19] The work included comprehensive testing for leaks, pressure integrity, and functional performance to verify compatibility with the ISS cooling loop before integration into the LMC.[7] This preparation was essential, as the ATA's installation via extravehicular activity represented a key maintenance task to sustain the EATCS's operational reliability.[20]

TriDAR

The TriDAR (Triangulation + LIDAR Automated Rendezvous and Docking) system is a hybrid 3D vision sensor designed for autonomous relative navigation during spacecraft rendezvous and docking operations, particularly in GPS-denied environments. Developed by Neptec Design Group—a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA)—in partnership with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA, it integrates laser triangulation for short-range precision, time-of-flight LIDAR for mid-range measurements, and a thermal imager for long-range target acquisition.[21] The sensor operates across visible and infrared spectra, relying on target geometry to generate real-time 3D models without requiring cooperative markers or external references, and weighs approximately 28 kg.[22] This model-based approach enables six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) pose estimation, including position and orientation, making it suitable for non-cooperative or tumbling targets. During STS-131, TriDAR was mounted on the forward section of Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay and activated as part of a Demonstration Test Objective (DTO) on flight day 3 to evaluate its performance during proximity operations with the International Space Station (ISS). The system successfully acquired the ISS using its thermal imager at ranges exceeding 40 km, transitioned to 3D LIDAR scanning at approximately 457 m, and maintained continuous tracking through the rendezvous, docking, undocking, and a 360-degree fly-around maneuver.[21] It captured detailed 3D point clouds of ISS modules, such as the Zarya and Unity nodes, demonstrating real-time mapping capabilities under orbital lighting conditions and validating its robustness against shuttle vibrations and thermal variations.[23] Despite a minor data interruption due to cable interference during initial acquisition, the system was quickly recovered and collected over 100 hours of operational data, including range, bearing, and relative motion profiles. The demonstrations on STS-131 confirmed TriDAR's effectiveness for future autonomous systems, achieving pose accuracy of 1 cm in position and 1° in orientation at ranges below 10 m, with reliable 6-DOF tracking extending to 200 m via LIDAR-derived 3D data.[21] This performance validated its potential for GPS-independent docking, informing developments for NASA's Orion spacecraft and commercial vehicles like SpaceX's Dragon, where similar targetless navigation is essential for crewed and uncrewed missions.[23] Overall, the tests marked a key advancement in active vision technology, reducing reliance on ground-based tracking and enabling more flexible on-orbit operations.

Pre-Flight Preparation

Orbiter Processing

Following its return from the STS-128 mission on September 11, 2009, at Edwards Air Force Base in California, Space Shuttle Discovery was ferried back to Kennedy Space Center on September 21, 2009, where post-flight safing and initial processing began in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3 (OPF-3).[24] The orbiter underwent standard turnaround procedures, including engine removal and inspection, thermal protection system tile assessments, and avionics systems checks to ensure readiness for the next flight.[25] By February 2010, integration of the primary payloads into Discovery's payload bay was completed in the OPF, including the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM), the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier (LMC) carrying the refurbished Ammonia Tank Assembly, and the TriDAR autonomous rendezvous sensor mounted on the LMC.[26] These activities involved precise alignment and interface testing between the payloads and orbiter systems to verify structural integrity and electrical connections.[4] On February 23, 2010, Discovery was rolled over from the OPF to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for mating with External Tank ET-135, which arrived at KSC earlier that month. In the VAB, the solid rocket boosters (SRB Set BI-142) were attached to the tank, followed by mating the stack to the orbiter on February 26, 2010; extensive leak checks, power-up tests, and flight software verifications were conducted during this phase.[27] Tile inspections confirmed no significant damage from ground handling, while avionics bays were accessed for final configurations. Processing faced challenges, including avian-induced damage to ET-135's foam insulation discovered during VAB operations, which was repaired in early March 2010 using blending and recoating techniques to prevent potential debris risks during ascent.[27] Severe weather prompted a 24-hour delay in the rollout to Launch Complex 39A, which began at approximately 12:01 a.m. EST on March 3, 2010, and concluded by 7 a.m. EST after the 3.4-mile journey on the crawler-transporter.[28] Final closeout activities, including payload bay doors sealing and hypergolic propellant loading, were completed by March 31, 2010, marking the transition to launch countdown preparations.[27]

Launch Countdown

The launch countdown for STS-131 commenced on April 2, 2010, at approximately 3:00 a.m. EDT, initiating a three-day sequence of final vehicle checks, systems integrations, and preparations at Launch Complex 39A.[29] This timeline incorporated built-in holds, including a dedicated period for tanking tests to verify the cryogenic propellant systems of the external tank.[30] Throughout the countdown, teams conducted range safety evaluations to ensure compliance with flight termination protocols and verified telemetry links for real-time vehicle monitoring.[30] On April 5, 2010, the seven-member crew—led by Commander Alan G. Poindexter—completed suit-up procedures in the Operations and Checkout Building before their walkout to the Astrovan for transport to the launch pad.[1] Crew ingress into Space Shuttle Discovery occurred at T-3 hours, around 3:21 a.m. EDT, allowing time for strap-in and final communications checks while ground crews retracted access arms.[30] Concurrently, fueling of External Tank ET-135 began at approximately T-5.5 hours with the loading of super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, a process monitored closely for thermal stability and leak detection.[30] The countdown experienced no major scrubs but included minor holds to assess weather conditions, which remained favorable with clear skies at Kennedy Space Center and acceptable parameters at transatlantic abort landing sites.[29] As the terminal countdown progressed, final go/no-go polls confirmed readiness across all disciplines, culminating in the predawn liftoff at 6:21 a.m. EDT—a event noted as the 35th and final night launch in the Space Shuttle program's history. This timing provided optimal orbital insertion conditions while transitioning from darkness to daylight, enhancing visibility for ascent monitoring.[1]

Launch

Liftoff

Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A on April 5, 2010, at 06:21:58 EDT (10:21:58 UTC), marking the start of the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station. The solid rocket boosters ignited simultaneously with the orbiter's three main engines at T+0, providing the initial thrust for ascent. The boosters separated nominally approximately two minutes after liftoff, while the external tank remained attached until main engine cutoff (MECO) at about 8.5 minutes, after which it was jettisoned. The launch achieved nominal performance, inserting the orbiter into a preliminary 51.6° inclination orbit.[4] During the initial trajectory, the solid rocket boosters were jettisoned at an altitude of approximately 39 km (24 miles), allowing the orbiter to continue powered flight on its main engines before reaching a preliminary orbit altitude of 300 km following subsequent orbital maneuvering system firings. Immediately post-liftoff and after payload bay doors were opened, the crew successfully deployed the orbiter's radiators for thermal control. However, an attempt to deploy the Ku-band antenna for high-rate communications and radar functions failed, resulting in an anomaly that required backup procedures for rendezvous operations; the antenna did not respond to commands and remained in radar mode only for the mission.[4][31]

Ascent Phase

Following the separation of the solid rocket boosters approximately two minutes after liftoff and the main engine cutoff about eight and a half minutes later, Space Shuttle Discovery achieved an initial elliptical orbit of approximately 57 by 227 kilometers at around 10:30 UTC on April 5, 2010.[32] The first Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) burn, lasting roughly 152 seconds, raised the apogee to establish the preliminary orbit, while the subsequent OMS-2 burn at approximately 11:00 UTC, lasting about 174 seconds, circularized the orbit to 227 by 259 kilometers at a 51.6-degree inclination, positioning the orbiter for rendezvous with the International Space Station.[32] These maneuvers utilized the two AJ10-190 engines in Discovery's tail, consuming a portion of the onboard hypergolic propellants to achieve the operational altitude of roughly 220 nautical miles.[4] On Flight Day 1, shortly after orbital insertion, the crew opened the payload bay doors to facilitate thermal conditioning and reconfiguration of the bay for in-space operations.[4] This process automatically deployed the orbiter's radiator panels, which are mounted on the inner surfaces of the doors, to begin dissipating excess heat generated during ascent and initiating the thermal control system cooldown.[4] The shuttle's robotic arm was also activated to support initial payload bay surveys, ensuring all systems transitioned smoothly to on-orbit configuration without reported issues in these procedures.[4] Systems checks proceeded nominally during the ascent phase, including verification of the orbiter's attitude control and propulsion readiness. On Flight Day 2, the crew conducted an initial focused inspection of the wings and nose cap using the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS), a 50-foot extension to the robotic arm equipped with digital cameras and laser imaging tools to scan for potential thermal protection system (TPS) damage from launch debris.[33] The inspection revealed no significant TPS anomalies or impacts, confirming the heat shield's integrity for the mission.[34] An early anomaly occurred shortly after orbital insertion when the Ku-band antenna, a 3-foot dish in the payload bay used for high-rate data and video downlink to NASA centers via the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System, failed to complete its deployment and activation sequence.[35] This prevented real-time transmission of inspection imagery and other high-bandwidth data during Flight Day 2 activities, but the issue was mitigated by relying on backup S-band communications for voice, telemetry, and lower-rate data relays, as well as direct-to-ground links when available.[36] The antenna malfunction did not impact flight safety or core mission objectives, and the crew proceeded with all planned checks using alternative downlink methods.[36]

In-Flight Operations

Rendezvous and Docking

The rendezvous phase for STS-131 commenced on Flight Day 2, April 6, 2010, as Space Shuttle Discovery executed initial thruster burns to refine its orbit and begin closing the distance to the International Space Station (ISS), which was orbiting at approximately 400 km altitude. These maneuvers included the NC1 burn, part of a series of corrective firings designed to align Discovery's trajectory with the station's path.[37][4] On Flight Day 3, April 7, 2010, the approach intensified with the Terminal Initiation (Ti) burn approximately 2.5 hours prior to docking, followed by NC2 and NC3 thruster firings to position Discovery about 1,000 feet below the ISS. At roughly 600 feet from the station, Commander Alan G. Poindexter and Pilot James P. Dutton Jr. performed the Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver, a 360-degree backflip lasting nine minutes that allowed Expedition 23 crew members Timothy Creamer and Oleg Kotov to photograph Discovery's thermal protection system using long-lens cameras. During the final approach phase, the TriDAR system—integrated for testing on this mission—conducted LIDAR scans to generate 3D maps of the ISS, validating its capability for markerless navigation and docking guidance.[10][4][38] Discovery achieved soft capture docking to the Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 (PMA-2) on the forward port of the Harmony node at 07:44 UTC. Both crews then conducted leak checks through the common berthing mechanism to confirm pressure integrity between the vehicles. The hard dock was secured shortly after, with structural latches engaging to rigidly connect the shuttle to the station. Hatches were opened at 09:11 UTC—30 minutes ahead of schedule—enabling the STS-131 crew to float into the ISS for greetings with the Expedition 23 residents, followed by a joint safety briefing.[10][4]

Cargo Operations

Following docking with the International Space Station on April 7, 2010, the joint crews prepared for cargo operations by powering up the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Leonardo in Discovery's payload bay. On flight day 4 (April 8), astronauts Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger and Naoko Yamazaki operated the shuttle and station robotic arms to unberth Leonardo from the orbiter's payload bay and berth it to the nadir port of the Harmony node at 04:24 UTC. Metcalf-Lindenburger served as the primary robotic arm operator during the maneuver, which proceeded nominally after a leak check confirmed the module's seals.[10][4] Hatches between Leonardo and the station opened shortly after berthing, allowing the crews to ingress the module and begin transferring supplies over the next several days. From flight days 4 through 10 (April 8–14), the teams moved approximately 7,000 kg of upmass cargo from Leonardo to the station, including four major science racks—such as the Muscle Atrophy Research and Exercise System (MARES), the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF), the Minus Eighty Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS-3 (MELFI-3), and an EXPRESS Rack—that were installed in the Destiny laboratory to support ongoing research in human physiology, Earth observation, and biological sample storage. Downmass activities involved packing refuse, completed experiments, and other items into Leonardo for return, ensuring efficient logistics exchange without impacting the mission timeline.[4][10] During transfers on flight day 6 (April 10), routine joint activities continued uninterrupted, focusing on stowage and inventory management. On flight day 8 (April 12), the crews observed a partial off-duty period, including public affairs events such as educational demonstrations and media interviews broadcast from the station. A false smoke alarm occurred that morning in the Zvezda service module of the Russian segment, prompting the crew to don protective gear and investigate; it was traced to residual particles from a thruster firing and posed no hazard, allowing operations to resume promptly. Final transfers wrapped up on flight day 10 (April 14), with the module fully unpacked and prepared for departure.[10][4] On flight day 11 (April 15), the robotic arms unberthed Leonardo from Harmony at 20:24 UTC, repositioning it into Discovery's payload bay by April 16 for the return journey. The module carried back about 1,800 kg of downmass, including experiment samples and waste, completing the logistics phase of the mission without incident.[10][4]

Extravehicular Activities

EVA Preparation

The extravehicular activities (EVAs) for STS-131 were performed exclusively by mission specialists Richard Mastracchio, serving as the EVA lead and primary spacewalker (EV1) in the suit with red stripes, and Clayton Anderson as the secondary spacewalker (EV2) in the all-white suit. Both astronauts donned Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) for all three spacewalks, with Mastracchio taking the lead role throughout. Inside the International Space Station (ISS), Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger acted as the intravehicular crew officer and spacewalk choreographer, coordinating procedures and monitoring the EVAs, while pilot James Dutton, commander Alan Poindexter, and mission specialist Stephanie Wilson provided support, including robotic arm operations and EMU preparations.[4] The primary objectives of the three EVAs centered on replacing the starboard No. 1 Ammonia Tank Assembly (ATA) on the S1 truss segment of the ISS, a critical component of the station's cooling system. This involved disconnecting and removing the old ATA, installing the new spare unit, reconnecting the fluid lines and electrical connections, and stowing the old tank for return to Earth in the shuttle's payload bay. Additional tasks included retrieving a materials experiment and installing hardware such as a camera on the Dextre robot, but the ATA swap formed the core focus to restore full thermal control system redundancy. The EVAs were planned to total 19.5 hours, with each allocated approximately 6.5 hours on flight days 5, 7, and 9.[4] Preparation for the EVAs began on flight day 2 with spacesuit checkouts and configuration of equipment in the Quest Joint Airlock. Tools and tethers were staged in the airlock's equipment lock to ensure accessibility during the spacewalks, including specialized wrenches and connectors for the ATA tasks. The crew followed the campout prebreathe protocol, where Mastracchio and Anderson spent the night before each EVA in the Quest Airlock, reducing its pressure to 10.2 pounds per square inch (psi) to purge nitrogen from their bloodstreams and minimize the risk of decompression sickness; oxygen masks were then used as pressure was raised back to 14.7 psi for suit donning. Depressurization of the airlock to vacuum conditions occurred prior to egress, enabling transition to the external worksites. Safety protocols emphasized the use of the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) jet backpacks on both spacewalkers for emergency mobility and translation, along with redundant communication checks and contingency planning for ammonia exposure during fluid line connections.[4]

EVA 1

The first extravehicular activity (EVA 1) of STS-131 took place on April 9, 2010, beginning at 12:25 UTC and concluding at 18:52 UTC, for a duration of 6 hours and 27 minutes. This marked the 149th spacewalk devoted to International Space Station assembly and maintenance.[39] Mission specialists Rick Mastracchio, serving as EV1 in the suit with red stripes, and Clayton Anderson, as EV2 in the all-white suit, exited the Quest airlock to perform the spacewalk. Support inside the International Space Station was provided by Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger as the intravehicular crewmember, while James P. Dutton Jr. and Stephanie Wilson operated the robotic arms for assistance. The EVA focused on preparations for replacing the starboard Ammonia Tank Assembly (ATA) on the S1 truss, a critical component for the station's cooling system.[4] Key tasks included demating the electrical connectors and fluid quick disconnect lines on the old ATA to isolate it from the S1 truss, enabling its subsequent removal. The crew also removed the starboard Rate Gyro Assembly (RGA) from the S0 truss, stowing it for return to Earth to allow ground analysis of its performance. In the payload bay of Discovery, they configured the new ATA by removing protective covers and preparing it for handover to the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). As a minor objective, they retrieved the Japanese MPAC&SEED experiment from the exterior of the Kibo laboratory module.[4][39] All primary and secondary objectives were successfully completed, with the crew working ahead of the timeline in some areas. No significant anomalies occurred, though Mastracchio reported minor intermittent issues with suit cooling, which did not impact task execution.[40]

EVA 2

The second extravehicular activity of the STS-131 mission took place on Flight Day 7, beginning at 05:30 UTC on April 11, 2010, and concluding at 12:56 UTC, for a total duration of 7 hours and 26 minutes.[10] Performed by astronauts Richard Mastracchio (in the red-striped suit) and Clayton C. Anderson (in the unmarked suit), the spacewalk was supported intravehicularly by Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, with James P. Dutton Jr. and Stephanie D. Wilson operating the shuttle and station robotic arms.[4] The primary focus was the installation of a new 1,700-pound Ammonia Tank Assembly (ATA) to replenish the cooling system on the starboard side of the International Space Station's truss structure. With robotic arm assistance from the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator and the Space Station Remote Manipulator System, the crew extracted the new ATA, which had been secured on the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Carrier (LMC) in Discovery's payload bay since launch.[41][4] Mastracchio and Anderson then maneuvered the unit to the S1 truss location, where they secured it using four bolts and connected six power cables to integrate it with the station's electrical systems.[10] As part of the procedure, the spacewalkers also photographed elements of the thermal protection system on both the shuttle and station for post-mission analysis to assess any potential damage or wear.[42] The EVA exceeded its planned 6.5-hour timeline due to challenges with stubborn connectors during the bolting process, requiring multiple attempts to fully secure the ATA.[43] Despite these delays, the primary installation objectives were achieved successfully, paving the way for final fluid line connections in the subsequent spacewalk. This EVA brought the mission's cumulative extravehicular time to over 13 hours, advancing toward the total of more than 20 hours across three spacewalks.[44]

EVA 3

The third extravehicular activity (EVA 3) of STS-131 occurred on Flight Day 9, April 13, 2010, with mission specialists Richard Mastracchio serving as EV1 and Clayton C. Anderson as EV2. The spacewalk began at 12:14 UTC and ended at 18:38 UTC, lasting 6 hours and 24 minutes.[10] This final EVA completed the integration of the new Ammonia Tank Assembly (ATA) onto the International Space Station's S1 truss, following its initial mounting during EVA 2. Mastracchio and Anderson connected the remaining fluid quick-disconnects for the ammonia lines, along with associated electrical cables, to ensure proper integration with the station's external active thermal control system. They then safed the old ATA by venting residual nitrogen, installed protective covers over exposed interfaces, and secured the unit to the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Carrier (LMC) before stowing it in Discovery's payload bay for return to Earth. The crew also retrieved several micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) shields from the Quest airlock's external stowage locations.[10][45] With primary objectives met ahead of schedule, the astronauts performed get-ahead tasks, including relocating a video camera from the S1 truss to the P1 truss for improved coverage of future operations and preparing the space-to-ground antenna assembly for the STS-132 mission.[45] Post-EVA ground tests activated and checked out the new ATA, verifying full functionality with no detected leaks and successful fluid flow through the system. The STS-131 EVAs collectively totaled 20 hours and 17 minutes, surpassing planned efficiency targets by completing all tasks without significant delays.[10]

Undocking and Return

Payload Unberthing

On Flight Day 11, April 15, 2010, the unberthing process for the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Leonardo commenced from its berth on the nadir port of the Harmony node. Operated by mission specialists Stephanie Wilson and Naoko Yamazaki using the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), the robotic arm grappled the module following troubleshooting of an electrical communication error in the Common Berthing Mechanism, which included demating and remating connectors and securing a sheared set screw. The procedure encountered a approximately six-hour delay, resulting in Leonardo being held in a temporary low hover position approximately 3 feet above Discovery's payload bay overnight.[46] The following day, April 16, 2010 (Flight Day 12), the relocation of Leonardo to Discovery's payload bay was completed without further incident, securing the module in its original position for return to Earth after the successful transfer of supplies and equipment to the International Space Station. This marked the end of cargo operations, with the now-unloaded MPLM prepared for reentry.[46][10] Concurrent with these activities, the crew performed a late docked inspection of Discovery's thermal protection system on Flight Day 12 using the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) extended by the shuttle's robotic arm. The survey covered the wings, nose cap, and other critical areas for potential micrometeoroid or orbital debris impacts, navigating tight clearances near the station's Japanese Experiment Module; analysis confirmed no damage requiring repair, clearing the orbiter for reentry.[46] On the morning of April 17, 2010 (Flight Day 13), the combined STS-131 and Expedition 23 crews gathered for a final joint photograph and farewell ceremony in the Unity node, exchanging thanks for the collaborative mission efforts before hatch closure preparations. ISS Commander Oleg Kotov commended the shuttle crew for their contributions to station outfitting and research rack installations.[47]

Deorbit and Landing

The undocking sequence for STS-131 commenced on April 17, 2010, when the docking hooks opened at 12:52 UTC, initiating separation from the International Space Station after a 10-day docked period.[48] The crew then executed a flyaround maneuver to obtain high-resolution photographs of the ISS and the orbiter's thermal protection system for post-mission analysis.[47] A separation burn followed at 13:31 UTC, using the orbiter's reaction control system thrusters to establish a safe departure trajectory and increase the distance from the station.[49] The thermal protection system had been cleared for reentry based on the late docked inspection and flyaround photography. Deorbit burn planning proceeded nominally, including payload securing and systems checkout, though unfavorable weather at the primary landing site—characterized by low clouds and showers—resulted in the wave-off of the first Kennedy Space Center opportunity on April 19.[50] The deorbit burn ignited on April 20, 2010, at 05:32 UTC, slowing Discovery to begin its atmospheric descent. Entry interface occurred at 08:07 UTC, marking the onset of significant aerodynamic heating at an altitude of approximately 400,000 feet. The reentry profile was nominal, with peak deceleration reaching 3 g-forces during the hypersonic phase, and the orbiter touched down at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility at 09:08 EDT on Runway 33, completing the 15-day mission after 238 orbits.[1][3]

Mission Outcomes

Achievements

The STS-131 mission achieved all primary objectives, including the successful completion of three extravehicular activities (EVAs) that met 100% of their goals. During these EVAs, astronauts installed a new Ammonia Tank Assembly (ATA) on the International Space Station (ISS), restoring full operational capacity and providing a reserve of ammonia that has supported the cooling system's reliability for more than 15 years, with the tank still in service as of 2025.[51] Additionally, the mission teams transferred the entire contents of the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Leonardo, totaling 12,371 kg of supplies, equipment, and science racks to the ISS, enhancing station capabilities for ongoing research and operations.[4] TriDAR, an experimental 3D vision-based sensor for autonomous rendezvous and docking, underwent successful validation tests during the mission, demonstrating reliable performance in tracking the ISS and paving the way for future non-cooperative docking applications.[9] The flight set several notable records, marking Space Shuttle Discovery's longest mission at 15 days, 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 10 seconds, during which it orbited Earth 238 times and covered 6.2 million miles.[1] It was also the final Space Shuttle mission to launch with a seven-member crew, as subsequent flights reduced crew size for logistical reasons.[1] Furthermore, STS-131 featured the first instance of four women serving simultaneously in space: NASA astronauts Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger and Stephanie Wilson, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, and NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson aboard the ISS.[1] Minor technical issues arose but were resolved without impacting the timeline or objectives. Shortly after launch, the shuttle's Ku-band communications antenna failed, but crews relied on backup systems, including the ISS's high-bandwidth link, to maintain data flow for inspections and operations.[5] A false smoke alarm triggered in the ISS's Russian segment due to dust during air filter maintenance, prompting brief emergency procedures, but it was quickly cleared with no effects on crew safety or activities. All such anomalies were addressed promptly using redundancies. The mission concluded with the successful downmass of science samples and engineering data via the Leonardo MPLM, including biological specimens from experiments like Mouse Immunology and Space Tissue Loss, which were returned for ground-based analysis to advance understanding of microgravity effects on health.[52]

Legacy

The STS-131 mission played a pivotal role in sustaining International Space Station (ISS) operations by delivering essential maintenance and research infrastructure. The replacement of the Ammonia Tank Assembly (ATA) on the S1 truss during extravehicular activities addressed potential vulnerabilities in the station's External Active Thermal Control System, contributing to the reliability of ammonia coolant distribution for heat rejection; the installed ATA has remained in service, supporting operations extended to 2030. The Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, carrying over 7,700 kilograms of supplies and equipment, supported Expedition 23 and 24 crews by providing critical resupply items, including spares and utilization platforms, marking its final round-trip flight before reconfiguration as a permanent ISS module.[53] Additionally, the delivery of the third Minus Eighty-degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI) unit enabled long-term storage of biological samples at -80°C in the Kibo module, facilitating ongoing microbiology and neuroscience research, while the Muscle Atrophy Research and Exercise System (MARES) supported neuromuscular and physiological studies in the Columbus module to counter microgravity effects on human health.[54] As one of the Space Shuttle program's final resupply missions in 2010, STS-131 underscored the impending retirement of the fleet in 2011, contributing to the buildup of ISS capabilities before the transition to commercial resupply vehicles.[1] It highlighted international collaboration, with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki serving as a mission specialist and overseeing cargo transfers, advancing joint U.S.-Japanese efforts in ISS assembly and utilization.[55] The Italian Space Agency's contribution through the Leonardo module, built by Alenia Aeronautica, further exemplified European involvement in providing logistics capabilities for the station.[14] Notably, the mission's launch at 6:21 a.m. EDT marked the last night launch of a Space Shuttle, a visually striking event that concluded a tradition spanning 30 years of the program.[56] Technologically, STS-131 advanced autonomous navigation systems through testing of the TriDAR sensor, which used 3D laser imaging for real-time rendezvous and docking with non-cooperative targets, providing data that informed subsequent developments in NASA's docking mechanisms for Commercial Crew vehicles and the Artemis program's Orion spacecraft.[57] The mission's three EVAs refined procedures for handling large orbital replacement units like the ATA, enhancing efficiency in external maintenance tasks that influenced protocols for future space station operations and deep-space missions.[58] Post-mission, the STS-131 crew underwent standard recovery protocols without requiring quarantine, allowing immediate transition to debriefings and public engagements.[1] Space Shuttle Discovery, refurbished after STS-131, proceeded to its final flight on STS-133 in 2011, completing the vehicle's 39-mission career. As of 2025, the historical record of STS-131 remains complete, with no unresolved objectives or significant data gaps documented in official archives.[59][60]

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