spacetoday.net: NASA planning December shuttle launch with new rules

Posted: Wed, Jun 11, 2003, 3:59 PM ET (1959 GMT)
STS-107: launch (NASA/KSC)

NASA is tentatively planning to return the shuttle to flight in mid-December under a new set of strict flight rules, agency officials said this week. According to current plans the next shuttle mission, STS-114, would launch on December 18, although that date is subject to any additional work required when the Columbia Accident Investigation Board completes its final report. When the shuttle does launch, it will fly under new rules, including a prohibition on night launches, so that the launch can be photographed and filmed to look for any damage caused by the launch. In addition, foam that currently covers the bipod ramp that connects the nose of the shuttle to the external tank will be removed and replaced with electric heaters; investigators believe foam came loose from the bipod and struck the leading edge of Columbia's wing during flight. NASA also plans to revamp how missions are managed on the ground to improve lines of communications between engineers and managers. NASA is also reportedly looking into other changes, including keeping a second shuttle on standby for a rescue flight if needed, and having shuttles land at Edwards Air Force Base in California to keep any debris from falling on populated areas.