The spaceshuttle Discovery is now at the launch-pad being prepared for the last and final spaceshuttle launch, before their retirement

 Discovery is to be launched to the international Space Station ISS, with a supply- and equipment-laden permanent module called the 'Permanent Multipurpose Module' (PMM).  Apart from the crew and the PMM, the shuttle also carries a humanoid robot called robonaut2.

In the image below, Discovery is shown in the assemble hall, prior to its departure for the launch-pad

After this last shuttle launch, NASA is in effect whitout launch capabilities, and will solely rely on private launch-companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, European Arianespace and russian RKA

FOLLOW the launch at NASA