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Japan space lab anchored to ISS Japan space lab anchored to ISS
(9 minutes later)
A team of astronauts have attached a $1bn (£500m) Japanese laboratory to the International Space Station (ISS).A team of astronauts have attached a $1bn (£500m) Japanese laboratory to the International Space Station (ISS).
The 16-tonne Kibo lab was delivered by the shuttle Discovery. It will be the station's biggest room, for the study of biomedicine and material sciences.The 16-tonne Kibo lab was delivered by the shuttle Discovery. It will be the station's biggest room, for the study of biomedicine and material sciences.
Astronauts Akihiko Hoshide and Karen Nyberg manoeuvred Kibo into place, using the space station's robotic arm.Astronauts Akihiko Hoshide and Karen Nyberg manoeuvred Kibo into place, using the space station's robotic arm.
The lab was anchored after two crew members had made preparations during a spacewalk lasting more than six hours.The lab was anchored after two crew members had made preparations during a spacewalk lasting more than six hours.
Discovery docked at the ISS on Monday after a two-day voyage.Discovery docked at the ISS on Monday after a two-day voyage.
As well as the Japanese laboratory, the shuttle has also brought a new pump for the station's malfunctioning toilet, which broke nearly two weeks ago. As well as the Japanese laboratory, the shuttle has also brought a new pump for the station's toilet, which broke nearly two weeks ago.
The crew have been performing manual flushes several times a day.The crew have been performing manual flushes several times a day.
Commander Mark Kelly flipped Discovery through 360 degrees before taking the ship into the station's docking port at about 1800 GMT.Commander Mark Kelly flipped Discovery through 360 degrees before taking the ship into the station's docking port at about 1800 GMT.
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Discovery docks at space station and delivers new occupantsDiscovery docks at space station and delivers new occupants
The procedure allowed photos to be taken to check whether the orbiter is in good condition for the return trip - an action deemed necessary since the damaged shuttle Columbia broke up on re-entry in 2003.The procedure allowed photos to be taken to check whether the orbiter is in good condition for the return trip - an action deemed necessary since the damaged shuttle Columbia broke up on re-entry in 2003.
Re-entry for Discovery is scheduled for 14 June. Discovery's return to Earth is scheduled for 14 June.
Pad damagePad damage
The Kibo Japanese Pressurised Module (JPM) is the size of a school bus and joins the US Destiny lab and the European Columbus lab already attached to the platform. The Kibo Japanese Pressurised Module (JPM) is the size of a bus and joins the US Destiny lab and the European Columbus lab which are already attached to the platform.
The mission has also delivered Canadian-born astronaut Greg Chamitoff, who will replace flight engineer Garrett Reisman as a station resident for the next six months.The mission has also delivered Canadian-born astronaut Greg Chamitoff, who will replace flight engineer Garrett Reisman as a station resident for the next six months.
Discovery also carried a special guest - the space ranger Buzz Lightyear.Discovery also carried a special guest - the space ranger Buzz Lightyear.
The 30cm-tall (12in) action figure, made famous in the Disney/Pixar Toy Story movies, went into orbit as part of an educational programme.The 30cm-tall (12in) action figure, made famous in the Disney/Pixar Toy Story movies, went into orbit as part of an educational programme.
Nine further shuttle flights are required to complete the ISS before the orbiter fleet is retired in 2010.Nine further shuttle flights are required to complete the ISS before the orbiter fleet is retired in 2010.
Meanwhile, Nasa is investigating the greater than usual damage caused to Discovery's launch pad during lift-off on Saturday from the Kennedy Space Center.Meanwhile, Nasa is investigating the greater than usual damage caused to Discovery's launch pad during lift-off on Saturday from the Kennedy Space Center.
A large section of the flame pit broke away, sending heat-resistant bricks flying as far as 1,800ft (550m).A large section of the flame pit broke away, sending heat-resistant bricks flying as far as 1,800ft (550m).