NASA releases report on their upcoming Shuttle Launch plans

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration released a report on Tuesday on their upcoming Space Shuttle launch program due to take place in May this year. The planning has virtually completed for the launch of the shuttle for the first time ever since the catastrophe of the 2003 Columbia accident. As per the plan, the shuttle will leave for space on 15 May and if any assistant is required by the crew of this mission, a backup shuttle would be ready to launch as early as June 14.

The incident of February 2003, which led to death of all the crewmembers aboard Columbia, led to the grounding of the complete fleet of Shuttles in America. The reason behind that crash was found to be a suitcase-sized foam insulation, which broke off the shuttle while taking off from the ship’s left wing.

The investigations led to many recommendations for the NASA to implement in the Space Shuttle program. NASA managed to meet eight of the 15 guidelines set for the resumption of the plan and the committee would be meeting again to look at the updated status at NASA.

The latest version of the flight plan contains many plans to make the launch as safe as possible for the crew of the shuttle and the viewing public. Kennedy Space Center in Florida would remain the choice of primary landing site only if the shuttle has no problems, which might lead to security issues with the surrounding areas. Other locations in consideration for the launch are Edwards Air Force Base in California and White Sands Space Harbor/Northrup in New Mexico.