- Stellar Science Module-
STS-211 brought the Canadian made Stellar Science Module to the International Orbiter Space Station. Similar to the mission that installed the Destiny module, this mission involved the removal of the PMA-2 docking adapter, and the installation of Stellar in between PMA-2 and Destiny. After docking to the IOSS, Discovery undocked from the station with PMA-2 attached, then attached the Stellar module to the forward end of Destiny. This part of the mission is difficult, because along with moving the new module into position, Discovery must also perform station keeping maneuvers to keep from drifting away from, or too close to the station.
After installing Stellar, Discovery then moved into position with PMA-2 attached, and re-docked with the station. Upon departing the station, special care was made to repeat the same mistake of STS-210 where Atlantis accidentally entered late, causing it to have to abort its approach to Canaveral, and redirecting its route north to Myrtle Beach.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Crew-Gangway and Fuel-Cap being retracted | Engine Ignition | Lift off of Discovery | View from above of Discovery lifting off |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Discovery rolling to heading | SRB separation | STS-211 on orbit | Discovery slowing down as it approaches the IOSS |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Discovery as it begins to dock with the station | View of the IOSS from Discovery's upper port window | Discovery docked to the station | Discovery undocking from the station with PMA2 attached |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Stellar installed | PMA2 re-installed, and Discovery docked | STS-211 departing the station | STS-211 approaching Cape Canaveral |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Discovery on final | Gear down | Wheels stop | The IOSS at the end of the mission |