|
 |
|  |
| |
|  Image above: From left, STS-114 astronauts Steve Robinson, Jim Kelly, Andy Thomas, Wendy Lawrence, Charlie Camarda, Eileen Collins and Soichi Noguchi. Click for High Resolution Image. Photo credit: NASA.
Discovery's seven-member Return to Flight crew arrived at the International Space Station on July 28. The crewmembers' primary objectives were to test and evaluate new safety procedures and conduct assembly and maintenance tasks on the Station. A late addition to the timeline tasked the crew with first ever on-orbit repair of the Shuttle heat shield.
There have been many safety improvements to the Shuttle, including a redesigned External Tank, new sensors and a boom that will allow astronauts to inspect the Shuttle for any potential damage.
+ Launch Flash Feature or + Read About Changes
Two crewmembers, Steve Robinson and Soichi Noguchi, ventured outside the Shuttle three times on spacewalks. The first demonstrated repair techniques on the Shuttle's protective tiles, known as the Thermal Protection System. During the second spacewalk, they replaced a failed Control Moment Gyroscope, which helps keep the Station oriented properly. Finally, they installed the External Stowage Platform, a sort of space shelf for holding spare parts during Station construction. They also repaired the heat shield on the final spacewalk.
The second Return to Flight test mission, STS-121, is to carry on analysis of safety improvements that debuted on the first mission and build upon those tests.
| |
|
 |
| |
| |
| 
| Damage Detectives Inspect Shuttle on Orbit
More than 100 cameras offered unprecedented views as Discovery climbed through the atmosphere. But these elaborate camera systems were designed to do more than dazzle home viewers.
+ Read More
| |
|
| 
| The World's Greatest Piggyback Ride
Two customized 747 aircraft have the critical job of carrying space shuttle orbiters across the country.
+ Read More
+ View Video (Real)
| |
|
| 
| Astronauts Make First Pitch in New York
STS-114 crewmbers take off for a different kind of adventure in New York.
+ Read More
+ Return to Flight
| |
|
| 
| Gearing up for a Smooth Landing
NASA Glenn's "list man," Pat Dunlap, crossed off a task as Discovery landed safely.
+ Read More
| |
|
| 
| STS-114: About the Crew
The seven members of the STS-114 crew are a diverse group of professionals.
+ Read More
| |
|
| + View Archives | |
|  |
|
