NASA sets launch date despite concerns

NASA will launch its first space shuttle in almost a year on July 1, despite recommendations against a lift-off attempt by the space agency’s chief engineer and safety offices.

The decision to launch Discovery on a trip to the international space station was made by NASA managers and engineers after two days of meetings at the Kennedy Space Centre.

The flight will be only the second shuttle mission since the Columbia disaster in 2003.

The ultimate decision to fly was made by NASA administrator Michael Griffin, who said he would shut down the space shuttle programme if there was another vehicle lost.

The most contentious debate focused on whether the shuttle’s external tank should undergo further changes in 34 areas called ice-frost ramps.

About 16 kilogrammes of foam have already been removed from an area of the tank where a 0.5kg piece fell off during last July’s launch of Discovery. NASA described it as the biggest aerodynamic change ever made to the shuttle’s launch system.

Representatives from NASA’s safety and chief engineer offices argued at the meeting that the shuttle should not fly until the ice-frost ramps were redesigned.

Mr Griffin said the decision to fly posed no risk to Discovery’s seven astronauts because NASA had devised new inspection and repair techniques to the shuttle.