Shuttle Docks Smoothly With Space Station

Major Station Wiring Job Ahead for Astronauts
By NED POTTER

Dec. 11, 2006 — Moving ever so slowly — albeit at 17,200 miles an hour relative to Earth's surface — the astronauts of Space Shuttle Discovery docked with the International Space Station, 200 miles out in space.

Having made the first night launch since the Columbia accident in 2003, the astronauts also had no problem approaching the giant station as they passed over the night side of Earth.

"Houston, Discovery," radioed the shuttle crew, "no trim required, we're initiating final approach."[...]