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Space Shuttle Launch Schedules
Space Shuttle Information
NASA Space Shuttles
- Space Shuttle Missions
- Space Shuttle Atlantis
- Space Shuttle Discovery
- Space Shuttle Columbia
- Space Shuttle Challenger Crash
- STS 121
STS 121
The STS 121 was an important shuttle flight because it was used to try new repair techniques and safety items after the Columbia disaster. It was the first shuttle to be launched on Independence Day and it delivered various supplies to the International Space Station, including an ESA astronaut named Thomas Reiter. It also took up equipment to be used at the ISS. It was a 13 day journey total, and landed at Kennedy Space Center on July 17, 2006. It brought about the renewal of NASAs regularly scheduled space shuttle flights.
Flight Delays
There were several things that delayed the launching of the STS 121. One of which was a piece of foam insulation came off of the Discovery. It was not considered to be a problem, but there was also some foam found in the fuel tank. There was also a problem with unfavorable weather conditions. The weather was considered unfavorable for launch on July 2nd, and again on the 3rd, so after much debate, July 4th was decided as the launch date. This was the first time that there would be a launch on the United States' Independence Day. It went off without a hitch, so NASA reinstated its shuttle program.
Results of STS 121's Success
The Discovery shuttle returned on July 17th in good condition, and brought about NASA's decision. Since that time, there have been no other incidents in any of the space program's launchings or landings. This is probably because of more intensive maintenance, repair, and inspection of all vehicles and rockets. NASA does its best to ensure that no other shuttles have problems like that of the Columbia and the Challenger. STS 121 was important in bringing all of this about. If it had been an unsuccessful flight, then the space shuttle program would have been in danger of being canceled altogether. Luckily, it was successful and we still have the shuttle program to deliver us with space information.
Flight Delays
There were several things that delayed the launching of the STS 121. One of which was a piece of foam insulation came off of the Discovery. It was not considered to be a problem, but there was also some foam found in the fuel tank. There was also a problem with unfavorable weather conditions. The weather was considered unfavorable for launch on July 2nd, and again on the 3rd, so after much debate, July 4th was decided as the launch date. This was the first time that there would be a launch on the United States' Independence Day. It went off without a hitch, so NASA reinstated its shuttle program.
Results of STS 121's Success
The Discovery shuttle returned on July 17th in good condition, and brought about NASA's decision. Since that time, there have been no other incidents in any of the space program's launchings or landings. This is probably because of more intensive maintenance, repair, and inspection of all vehicles and rockets. NASA does its best to ensure that no other shuttles have problems like that of the Columbia and the Challenger. STS 121 was important in bringing all of this about. If it had been an unsuccessful flight, then the space shuttle program would have been in danger of being canceled altogether. Luckily, it was successful and we still have the shuttle program to deliver us with space information.