STS-121 crew
The Astrolab Mission will begin with the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on flight STS-121, from Cape Canaveral, in Florida. As well as ESA astronaut Thomas Reiter, there will be six NASA astronauts on board.
Commander Steve Lindsey
Steve Lindsey has previously flown on three Shuttle missions – STS-87, STS-95 and STS-104. As Commander Lindsey has overall responsibility for the on-orbit execution of the STS-121 mission, orbiter systems operations, and flight operations including landing the Space Shuttle.
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Pilot Mark Kelly
Mark Kelly was previously pilot for the STS-108 mission to the International Space Station in December 2001. During STS-121 he is responsible for systems operations, he will also assist during rendezvous and docking with the Station.
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Mission Specialist 1 Mike Fossum
During his first space mission, Mike Fossum's role as Mission Specialist 1 is to assist the Commander and Pilot, and Mission Specialist 2 with Space Shuttle system operations. During STS-121 he will also perform two or three spacewalks together with Piers Sellers.
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Mission Specialist 2 Lisa Nowak
Lisa Nowak fulfils the role of Flight Engineer during ascent and re-entry of the Space Shuttle. During the two or three spacewalks scheduled during the mission she will operate the Station and Shuttle robotic arms. STS-121 will be her first spaceflight.
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Mission Specialist 3 Stephanie Wilson
Stephanie Wilson is in charge of transferring supplies from the Shuttle's cargo module to the Station. She will also operate the Space Station robotic arm, using it to install the Leonardo cargo module (MPLM) onto the Station. She will also help to suit-up the spacewalkers.
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Mission Specialist 4 Piers Sellers
Piers Sellers' main role during STS-121 is to lead and perform two to three spacewalks together with Michael Fossum. During the spacewalks they will test Shuttle heat shield and inspection techniques and continue ISS assembly by replacing failed hardware and installing spare parts on the outside of the complex. This will be his second spaceflight - he previously visited the Space Station in October 2002 with Shuttle mission STS-112.
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