NASA Plans Next Shuttle Mission

Dec. 9, 2004
After an extensive review, NASA is planning its Return to Flight Space Shuttle mission, designated STS-114, for a launch window opening in May.

NASA plans next Shuttle mission

It will be the first Shuttle flight since a reentry accident destroyed Columbia and killed its crew in February 2003. The agency had been working toward a launch window in March before a series of hurricanes partially crippled operations at several facilities. For instance, space centers in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and the Michoud Assembly Facility, La., all shut down in preparation for one or more of the four hurricanes in August and September. This delayed flight planning.

"After four hurricanes impacted our centers and our workers, it became clear we needed to step back and evaluate our work in respect to the launch planning date," says William Readdy, Space Flight Leadership Council cochair and associate administrator for Space Operations. "We asked the program to go back and evaluate May, and they reported the milestones are lining up. The May launch window is based on solid analysis and input from across all elements of the program."

Major objectives of the flight have also shifted. Instead of concentrating on logistics and personnel rotation for the International Space Station, the crew will test and evaluate new flight safety procedures, including Shuttle inspection and repair techniques.

For more information about NASA's Return to Flight efforts, visit http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight

The massive Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center lost hundreds of panels in the recent hurricanes.

Sponsored Recommendations

March 31, 2025
Unlike passive products - made of simple carbon springs - the bionic prostheses developed by Revival Bionics are propulsive, equipped with a motor and an artificial Achilles tendon...
March 31, 2025
Electric drives are a key technology for the performance of machines, robots, and power tools. Download this guide for an introduction to high-quality mechatronic drive systems...
March 31, 2025
Discover the world of maxon drive technology: motors, gearheads, sensors, controllers, and accessories. Configure your drive system online, including all relevant product and ...
March 31, 2025
Share current page XSun designs and manufactures a drone that is both energy-independent and can make its own decisions, for fully-automated missions. The company needed reliable...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!