The space shuttle Discovery was ferried home aboard the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, from which it will be retrieved with the help of a big crane. Discovery had just completed STS-128, which helped in the ongoing construction and supply efforts for the International Space Station.
With the impending decommissioning of the shuttle, and the approaching completion of the station, the eyes of scientists involved in the project are turning to what happens next. One call, by the European Space Agency, is for ideas relating to climate change studies to be carried out up there. If you have such an idea, the call for proposals is here. Meanwhile, enjoy some video from the launch and landing of the ferry flights: