NASA hopes to launch to launch the first space shuttle flight in 2.5 years time tomorrow. Space shuttle Discovery and its crew of seven are set to blast off on Wednesday and a total of 107 cameras will be investigating the launch for any problems like ice or insulation material that damages the shuttle.
Discovery is outfitted with a redesigned external fuel tank, and has dozens of motion and temperature sensors embedded in the wings to detect any blows from fuel-tank foam insulation or other debris. The spaceship also holds a brand-new laser-tipped 15-metre boom that will be used by the astronauts to survey the wings and nose cap for any cracks or holes.
I really hope NASA will be able to successfully launch the Shuttle tomorrow. Another disaster like Columbia in February 2003 might have some nasty consequences for manned space exploration.
