[Halls]

Drudge does have it up, but just the flash. But what does this mean, they are grounded?

[So Cal Rocket]

Is the shuttle program done launching for 2005?

Parsons: "I can't say what the impact of this is." Shuttles can't fly with this large size foam coming off, he added. The problem must be dealt with before the next launch can occur.

Plans had called for Atlantis to launch September 9.

[jdm]

"Drudge does have it up, but just the flash. But what does this mean, they are grounded?"

Honestly don't know the details. I'll wait for things to play out vs. speculate.

[Cboldt]

But what does this mean, they are grounded?

My guess is that "grounded" means no more liftoffs until the problem of shedding foam is resolved. Reports appear to indicate that Discovery was not hurt by that piece of foam shed. Detail inspection of Discovery is scheduled for later, and an decisions relating to re-entry of Discovery were planned to wait until that examination anyway.

[Last Dakotan]

But what does this mean, they are grounded?

I don't see the big deal. It means they know they have a problem and that they can't fly anymore until they solve it. They are trying to be transparent as they do so.

They will solve this and continue flying, just wait.