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| The Discovery shuttle is scheduled for launch between July 1 and July 19 (Source: Xinhua) |
The United States space agency (NASA) is preparing to launch the shuttle for the second time since the Columbia disaster in 2003, which resulted in the tragic loss of all seven crew members. Currently, the Discovery shuttle has been transported to the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Discovery is expected to be launched between July 1 and July 19. The exact launch date will be determined in mid-June.
Wayne Hale, the shuttle program director, expressed confidence that Discovery will take off as planned, and NASA will be able to launch two more shuttles before the end of this year. If the launch fails, NASA will be forced to shorten the planned “retirement” process of Discovery, initially set for 2010, while the next generation of spacecraft is still under development.
Originally, Discovery was scheduled to be launched this month; however, the plan was altered after scientists discovered a malfunctioning fuel tank sensor.
This mission of the Discovery shuttle crew will involve testing new safety systems, resupplying, and providing materials to the International Space Station (ISS), as well as conducting at least two spacewalks. Additionally, a German astronaut from the European Space Agency will remain on the ISS for several months to conduct scientific experiments.
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