Not good. So I assume that if the damage is bad, they're stuck up there? At least until something can get figured out. Has the crew has started using the camera to check for the damage?

What I've heard is that there is no apparent threat to the shuttle being able to successfully return to earth, but that they are suspending future flights until they can solve the problem of materials flaking off and possibly damaging the shuttle.

It is sad that such a marvelous machine has so many problems.

I wonder what will become the next generation of space vehicle?

PF, you're right. So few people have ever been able to go into space ... it's really a wonder that interest has waned ... especially by the media. I noticed when I clicked on looking at the video clip (Thanks, Cheyanne) ... it was prefaced with a WalMart ad. :rolleyes2

fredchabotnick,

The announcement to ground the fleet was made after the visual. Keep in mind that NASA has not said that Discovery is unable to return safely. That being said, should a puncture be found in the shuttle’s thermal protection system after launch, there are only two alternatives. One is to wait for rescue in the space station; the other is to use an experimental kit of ablative filler, which is designed only for smaller punctures.

One difficulty with holing up in the ISS is that the rescue vehicle, Atlantis, is the same design as Discovery. Let us hope that there is no significant damage to Discovery, and that she’s cleared to make her scheduled return.

Keep in mind the reason why they were able to see the potential damage was that this time NASA had more cameras in place than a Speilberg production...after the Columbia disaster, they are much more safety conscious & less willing to let "go fever" mentality drive the program...
BTW, did everyone see the shuttle backflip as they approached the space station? I know it was done so they could scope out the underside of the craft for damage, but it was still very cool to see this first-ever acrobatic move being made by a vehicle the size of a building...

scotzoidman,

I couldn't agree with you more about Discovery's 360. Those vehicles are BIG!

Astronaut Stephen Robinson is making a monumental journey in repairing the belly of the shuttle today. In describing the details of what he's doing, it is truly remarkable that he'll be doing it in space...while in a space suit...attached to a robotic arm.

In true astronaut fashion, not unlike Neil Armstrong and his "One small step" words, Robinson had his own quote.


"The most important thing to keep your eye on is the top of my helmet."


:confused:


He did NOT just say that! :D

I just saw a pic of it and it seems sooooooooo amazing.

Home!
 

:D TOUCH DOWN!! :D
:line::line:

I continue to be exalted seeing a feat of un-comprehendible complexity and precision take place. When discussion of value happens, it can only occur with considerations of it’s positives against wanting to rectify negatives, usually of our own creation. The gain of knowledge and ability will perhaps someday become equal to our primal instincts and a new specie will go forward.

:jump: CONGRATULATIONS TO :jump:

Discovery
:line:
NASA
:line:
Human Race
:line:

Well said and well done, PF. You definitely said what's in my heart. Those are very brave people who have done a very brave deed and did it extremely well. God bless them all those willing to take risks for a better humanity!!

:line::line::line:

Yes indeed! Good to see the successful completion. :) Now all that remains is to get the falling debris issue resolved.

even with all the assurances, i still let out a huge breath after touch down.

welcome home discovery crew.

I just saw they made it! I'm sooo relieved.

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
 

NASA’s next Mars probe, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), is scheduled for launch on Wednesday morning. An Atlas V rocket carrying the spacecraft should take off from Cape Canaveral on Wednesday just before 8:00 Eastern Time. It will arrive at Mars this coming March.

Once in orbit, the MRO will photograph the planet for suitable landing sites on future missions, and will investigate the history of water with its cameras, spectrometer, radar, and an instrument called the Mars Climate Sounder that will observe the temperature, humidity, and dust content of the Martian atmosphere.

One interesting mission feature that could never have happened in the “bad old days” is that the Atlas first stage uses a engine supplied by Russia. Whoda ever thunk it? My, my, my - how times have changed!

Yep. Gotta give them credit though, the Russians do space rockets well. Here's hoping that we can continue shooting them together.

OMG...I was shittin me fuckin trouser's while waiting for re-entry and landing! WHEW! They made it!

I get freaked out when the shuttle[s] go up...and especially when they come back down!!!

*goose bumps alllllllllllll over my body*