Shuttle returns to space
28 July 2005
After a gap of two and a half years, the Space Shuttle is back in space! Discovery lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 16:39 CST on 26 July, at the start of a 12-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Millions of people around the world were glued to their TV and computer screens as the countdown for the 114th Shuttle mission reached its climax. Then, with a burst of flame, a billowing cloud of smoke and steam, and a deafening roar from its engines, Discovery soared from the launch pad.
The seven person crew of Discovery is commanded by former U.S. Air Force Colonel Eileen Collins. Joining six NASA crew members is Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi. They will be the first visitors for Russian Sergei Krikalev and American John Phillips, who have been on board the ISS since April.
Over the next 12 days, one of the crew’s main tasks will be to check that the Shuttle has not been damaged by ice or foam falling off during launch. Astronaut Steve Robinson will join Noguchi for three spacewalks.
One of these will be used to test new ways of repairing damaged heat tiles on the outside of the Shuttle. The crew will also install new equipment on the outside of the station.
Stowed inside the Shuttle cargo bay is the Italian-built Raffaello logistics module. This will deliver 15 tonnes of food, clothing, science equipment and spare parts to the ISS.
