Discovery ends mission as NASA faces uncertain future

THE space shuttle Discovery capped a successful 13-day spaceflight with a smooth landing in Florida, ending a 27-year flying career for NASA’s most-travelled spaceship as the agency prepares for an uncertain future.

With commander Steven Lindsey at the controls, Discovery touched down at 16.57GMT to wrap up a cargo run and construction mission at the International Space Station.

Discovery accumulated 365 days in orbit over 39 missions. It will now be prepared for display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.