- P1 Truss -
STS-217 delivered the P1 (Port-1) Truss to the International Orbiter Space Station. The P1 Truss primary purpose on the station is to provide a home for the large IOSS Remote Manipulator System (or simply Station Arm). While there have been a number of launches that have come near sunset, and a couple that have witnessed a sunrise near the end of the launch, STS-217 is the first mission that has occurred during one. Having occurred during a sunset, this mission had the peculiar chance of watching the sun fall below the horizon twice. First just before launch, then watching the sun appear above the horizon as the shuttle gains altitude, and then watching the sun set again as Discovery passes over the Horizon.
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| STS-217 on the pad at Cape Canaveral | Discovery preparing for liftoff | Shuttle Discovery lifting off | Roll maneuver complete with the sun appearing on the horizon |
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| Discovery during throttles-up | SRB separation | The Sun setting behind Discovery as it passes across the east coast of North America | STS-217 on orbit |
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| STS-217 approaching the station | View of the station from Discovery as the shuttle begins to dock | Discovery docked to the IOSS | Moving the P1 Truss into place |
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| P1 Truss installed | Discovery undocking from the station | Discovery circling above the cape | Discovery on final |
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| Wheels down | Wheels stop | The IOSS at the end of the mission |