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Shuttle "Discovery" went into orbit.. / April 6, 2010 /

Space Shuttle Discovery was launched to the International Space Station from Baikonur at Cape Canaveral in Florida, reports AFP. Launch took place at the appointed time — 14:31, Moscow time.

On board the shuttle’s seven astronauts are, including three women. The space shuttle, whose mission will last 13 days, deliver to the ISS Multi-Purpose Transport Module «Leonardo». Inside the module, which is used as a return cargo container that will be racing simulators, a new experimental equipment, sleeping places for the inhabitants of the ISS and freezer. The crew of Discovery must perform three spacewalks during which, in particular, will be replaced by a tank of anhydrous ammonia.

It was planned that the shuttle will go into orbit on March 18, but due to bad weather launch date has been rescheduled for April 5.

When the Discovery dock with the ISS, the station will be at the same time, four women — the maximum number in the history of space flight. At present, the ISS crew includes one woman — American Tracy Caldwell Dyson. Together with Alexander Skvortsov, and Mikhail Kornienko it to the ISS Soyuz TMA-18, launched from Baikonur on April 2.

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