spacetoday.net: NASA to unveil shuttle return to flight plan

Posted: Mon, Sep 8, 2003, 8:32 AM ET (1232 GMT)
STS-107: launch (NASA/KSC)

NASA plans to release Monday its plan to return the space shuttle to flight, although early versions of the plan leaked to the media reveal few new details. The 100-page plan covers both repairs and upgrades planned for the shuttle in the coming months as well as revised rules for launching and operating the shuttles in orbit. The changes include redesign of the external tank insulation to prevent chunks of foam from coming off during launch as well as coming up with techniques to inspect the shuttle while in orbit and conduct repairs of damaged tiles and panels, if needed. Shuttle launches will also be limited to daylight until improved infrared cameras can be deployed to monitor nighttime shuttle launches. Most of the details in the plan had been previously reported, although not officially confirmed by NASA. The cost of the return to flight plan was not disclosed.