STS-128 will launch the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module [i]Leonardo[/i] packed with science and storage racks, as well as the Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistance Treadmill (
COLBERT), to the International Space Station.
The mission will include three spacewalks to remove and replace a materials processing experiment outside ESA's [i]Columbus[/i] module and return an empty ammonia tank assembly.
Rick Sturckow will command space shuttle Discovery on the STS-128 mission, currently targeted for launch on August 25, 2009. Kevin Ford will serve as the pilot. Mission specialists are Danny Olivas, Patrick Forrester, Jose Hernandez and European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang.
The mission will deliver a new station crew member, Nicole Stott, to the outpost and return Tim Kopra to Earth.