Excitement and a sense of accomplishment was evident among the Discovery crew members as they spoke with the media after landing today.

Commander Lee Archambault introduced five of the seven members of the STS-119 mission crew. Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus remained at crew quarters accompanied by Richard Arnold.

Archambault described the demanding mission that included three spacewalks to install the S6 truss increasing the electrical capability of the station, and how well space shuttle Discovery handled throughout the mission.

"It was an exciting mission … and we're very happy to be back at the Kennedy Space Center," Archambault said.

Archambault also mentioned the call from President Barack Obama and how honored the crew at the station was to speak with him and answer his questions.

Mission Specialist Joseph Acaba said he was amazed at the views from the space station.

"It was kind of surreal to look out the window and see your two buddies out there that you've been training with for a long time and see them out there…it was a special moment," said Acaba.

As Pilot Tony Antonelli maneuvered Discovery away from the station other crew members snapped some amazing shots of the orbiting outpost that they said will stay with them for a long time.

"We worked a long time training for this mission and I was so proud to be a part of it," said Mission Specialist Steve Swanson.

The crew is expected fly back to Houston's Ellington Field Sunday. After arrival they'll be honored with a homecoming celebration for the successful STS-119 mission.





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