The space shuttle Discovery has arrived at the International Space Station for a nine-day stay.

Commander Rick Sturkow used the main thrusters to dock at the station because the smaller manoeuvring ones were out of action.

The shuttle is carrying scientific and exercise equipment for the space station’s residents.

Its astronauts will also carry out a range of repairs and installations before returning to Earth.

Their schedule includes three spacewalks to replace exterior science experiments, prepare the platform for the arrival of a new module next year, and to install a new ammonia storage tank and return the used one.

Discovery will also drop off US astronaut Nicole Stott for a three-month stay on the ISS and pick up colleague Tim Kopra for the ride home.

The shuttle will spend a total of 13 days in space.

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