NASA will launch a shuttle for the first time since the "Columbia" disaster * The shuttle "Discovery" will be launched on July 13.7 and will deliver spare parts and supplies to the International Space Station
The American space agency (NASA) announced yesterday (Friday) that it will launch the space shuttle "Discovery" on July 13.7. This will be the first shuttle launch since the Columbia shuttle crash in February 2003, in which seven astronauts were killed, including the Israeli Ilan Ramon.
The original plan was to launch the shuttle during the month of May, but it was postponed due to work to redesign its fuel tank. At the beginning of the week, a NASA audit committee determined that the agency failed to implement three out of 15 recommendations made by the investigative committee established following the Columbia crash, however, NASA Director General Michael Griffin announced that the Discovery is ready for launch.
"We approved the launch of the shuttle on July 13.7 following very careful and very successful tests," said Griffin. The "Discovery" will carry seven crew members who will deliver supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station.
NASA officials said that the launch date was announced after a comprehensive two-day test of the shuttle's readiness for flight.
NASA is committed to daytime launches for the next two shuttle flights to ensure adequate lighting conditions for the cameras that will examine the shuttle as it ascends into orbit.
Outside team members praised NASA's Safe Haven program, under which the International Space Station will be equipped to provide shelter for Space Shuttle crew members in the event that it is damaged during launch so that it could crash upon its return to Earth.
In the event of such an emergency, crew members would be able to live aboard the International Space Station for 6-8 weeks while another shuttle prepares to perform the rescue mission.
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