14 DAY TRIAL // The STS-121 astronauts returned home today from a successful mission to the International Space Station when Space Shuttle Discovery touched down at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Landing occurred at 9:14 a.m. EDT (13:15 GMT).
Discovery gave the United States a birthday present when it launched July 4. STS-121 spent just under 13 days in orbit, with almost nine days at the station. Discovery delivered supplies, equipment and a new Expedition 13 crew member to the orbital outpost.
During three spacewalks, the STS-121 crew members performed maintenance on the station's mobile transporter and tested orbiter heat shield repair techniques. They also conducted joint operations with the Expedition 13 crew.
STS-121 was the 115th shuttle mission and the 18th to visit the space station. Also, landing marked the end of Discovery's 32nd flight.