The US Space Shuttle Discoverychased the International Space Station Saturday, as members of its crew prepared for Sunday's docking , according to NASA.
"If everything goes according to plan, the two spacecraft will meet in orbit over the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia", the National Aeronautics and Space Administration said.
Once the linkup of the shuttle and the ISS takes place, their crews will spend eight days transferring equipment to the station and will also perform two spacewalks.
Discovery'sorbital maneuvering system engines were due to be fired late tonight to adjust the shuttle's orbit. The crew will prepare navigation and rendezvous tools that will be used for docking, NASA said.
The crew will also check out the spacesuits that will be used during the space walks by astronauts Dan Barry and Pat Forrester.
Piloted by commander Scott Horowitz, Discovery is bringing a new three-member crew to the space station to relieve Yury Usachev, Susan Helms and Jim Voss, who have been in orbit for more than 150 days
Discoveryis carrying the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, a reusable cargo module that contains supplies and equipment for the station.
AFP