Posted on 07/26/2015 1:22:39 PM PDT by lbryce
NASA Space Shuttle Discovery Launch: Return to Flight | View 2 On July 26, 2005, Space Shuttle Discoverys STS-114 mission launched on the first Return to Flight mission since the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia on February 1, 2003. The years between the Columbia tragedy and the flight of Discovery were spent researching and implementing new safety improvements, including a redesigned external tank, new sensors, and a boom that allowed the astronauts to inspect the Shuttle for any damage. The crews objectives were to test and evaluate these new safety procedures in addition to conducting maintenance on the International Space Station. The crew also performed the first ever on-orbit repair of the heat shield of a Shuttle. The mission ended on August 9, 2005 when Discovery landed at Edwards Air Force Base.
Discovery is now on public display at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum.
(Excerpt) Read more at plus.google.com ...
f.u.c.s.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.