Unidentified Object Floating Away From Discovery Before Landing
Scientists at the Kennedy Space Center announced before only one day before Discovery lands, that they saw unidentified object floating away from the shuttle. This incident happened many times in the past and each time these objects turned out to be pieces of ice or plastic bags.
The shuttle’s commander, Mark E. Kelly said that they are going to deeply analyze the video and see if the shuttle is safe to land. After few hours NASA announced that they shuttle is save to land on Saturday June 14, 2008, according to NASA the object was a clip attached to the rudder, meant to ensure protection against overheating during ascent. At exactly 11:15 am, EDT Discovery touched down successfully.
The 14 day mission was great success for NASA, as six astronauts (five men and one woman) managed to deliver the second component of the Japanese laboratory to the International Space Station and install the Kibo pressurized science laboratory. Discovery’s mission was the 123rd flight of the shuttle program, which will close in 2010 after the construction of the ISS will be finished. “It was a really exciting mission and we’re glad to be back here in Florida,” Commander Mark Kelly said soon after Discovery landed. Welcome Back Discovery.
Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.
Source: NASA
“as seven astronauts (five men and one woman)”
Um… and a goldfish, perhaps?
Error has been fixed Harry, thanks for the comment.