By: Heather N. Gibson

The Space Shuttle Discovery with an international crew of seven begins it mission STS-96 May 20, 1999 at 8:32 am. Assembly Flight 2A.1 is the first of several resupply flights by both American and Russian spacecraft. These resupply flights are designed to build and furnish the station as well as feed and clothe the inhabitants.

Discovery will remain docked with the station for five days delivering over 5000 pounds of gear, including tools, spare parts, computers and clothing. Discovery is responsible for delivering the supplies that could not be launched aboard the modules due to weight limitations. The crew will also assemble and attach a half American half Russian crane to the surface of the Space Station for future missions.

This mission creates the conditions for the November launch of the Russian built Service Module. The Service Module will serve as living quarters.