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03/07/2006
Space Shuttle launch delayed
A Mission Management meeting looks likely to decide fate of Shuttle Discovery launch.
The first space shuttle scheduled to launch on Independence Day, following unfavourable weather conditions, was thrown into doubt when an inspection revealed a crack in the foam insulation of the orbiter's external fuel tank.
In a statement NASA said: "During a routine inspection overnight after the draining of the tank, a crack was discovered in the foam near a bracket on the external fuel tank that holds the liquid oxygen feedline in place.
"The mission management team is meeting to discuss this and to determine what, if any, impact this will have on our launch date."
Commenting on Sunday after the launch postponement, Mission Management Team Chairman John Shannon said: "...the team really performed in exemplary fashion and got the vehicle ready to go and the crew ready to go. It was that one thing that we really don't control - the weather - it's what kept us from launching."
An update was expected today on the progress at the pad to confirm the readiness of the vehicle for flight, but it only served to confirm an unexpected problem with the foam insulation on the huge external fuel tank.
A piece of foam which broke away during the launch of Columbia and damaged the wing caused the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003.
Among the STS-121 Discovery seven-man mission crew is British astronaut Piers Sellers.
The crew is expected to spend two weeks in orbit with the primary goal of testing new systems for inspecting the shuttle's heat shield.
One crew member, German Thomas Reiter, is to spend six months on the International Space Station.
(SP/KMcA)
The first space shuttle scheduled to launch on Independence Day, following unfavourable weather conditions, was thrown into doubt when an inspection revealed a crack in the foam insulation of the orbiter's external fuel tank.
In a statement NASA said: "During a routine inspection overnight after the draining of the tank, a crack was discovered in the foam near a bracket on the external fuel tank that holds the liquid oxygen feedline in place.
"The mission management team is meeting to discuss this and to determine what, if any, impact this will have on our launch date."
Commenting on Sunday after the launch postponement, Mission Management Team Chairman John Shannon said: "...the team really performed in exemplary fashion and got the vehicle ready to go and the crew ready to go. It was that one thing that we really don't control - the weather - it's what kept us from launching."
An update was expected today on the progress at the pad to confirm the readiness of the vehicle for flight, but it only served to confirm an unexpected problem with the foam insulation on the huge external fuel tank.
A piece of foam which broke away during the launch of Columbia and damaged the wing caused the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003.
Among the STS-121 Discovery seven-man mission crew is British astronaut Piers Sellers.
The crew is expected to spend two weeks in orbit with the primary goal of testing new systems for inspecting the shuttle's heat shield.
One crew member, German Thomas Reiter, is to spend six months on the International Space Station.
(SP/KMcA)
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04 July 2006
Discovery to lift-off on schedule
Nasa have decided that the Space Shuttle Discovery will launch on schedule on Tuesday. Concerns had been raised by the discovery of a cracked area of insulation in a region of the external fuel tank that is prone to ice formation.
Discovery to lift-off on schedule
Nasa have decided that the Space Shuttle Discovery will launch on schedule on Tuesday. Concerns had been raised by the discovery of a cracked area of insulation in a region of the external fuel tank that is prone to ice formation.
27 July 2005
Concern focuses on damaged shuttle tile
Nasa astronauts will today focus on examining the thermal protection system of the space shuttle that was visibly damaged during lift-off. The inspections will be conducted as Discovery's crew make preparations to dock with the International Space Station and get ready for three planned spacewalks.
Concern focuses on damaged shuttle tile
Nasa astronauts will today focus on examining the thermal protection system of the space shuttle that was visibly damaged during lift-off. The inspections will be conducted as Discovery's crew make preparations to dock with the International Space Station and get ready for three planned spacewalks.
12 April 2007
'60km sniper' for British troops
Britain's ground forces in Afghanistan are to receive a state-of-the-art precision land attack rocket, the Ministry of Defence has announced. The Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) has twice the range of existing artillery systems.
'60km sniper' for British troops
Britain's ground forces in Afghanistan are to receive a state-of-the-art precision land attack rocket, the Ministry of Defence has announced. The Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) has twice the range of existing artillery systems.
06 July 2006
Shuttle undamaged during launch
The crew of Discovery have examined the Space Shuttle with the Orbiter Boom Sensor System today and found no evidence of any damage from debris during the launch.
Shuttle undamaged during launch
The crew of Discovery have examined the Space Shuttle with the Orbiter Boom Sensor System today and found no evidence of any damage from debris during the launch.
08 August 2005
Discovery landing delayed by bad weather
Adverse weather conditions at the landing site has forced Nasa to postpone the return of the Discovery space shuttle until Tuesday. The landing was delayed due to low cloud cover over the Kennedy Space Station in Florida.
Discovery landing delayed by bad weather
Adverse weather conditions at the landing site has forced Nasa to postpone the return of the Discovery space shuttle until Tuesday. The landing was delayed due to low cloud cover over the Kennedy Space Station in Florida.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
