Orbiter Update: NASA delaying launch of first post-Columbia mission

Article Abstract:

The launch of the first post-Columbia mission will be delayed by six months until March 2005, due to a spate of technical problems and new restrictions for launching during daylight for photography requirements. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has also decided to switch orbiters with Discovery, now reserved for the agency's closely watched Return-to-Flight, while Atlantis will be on standby.

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The mother of invention

Article Abstract:

The in-flight, repair work of crews aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has highlighted NASA's new awareness of the fundamental challenge of hardware maintenance while far from Earth. The improvements made by both the Russians and the Americans regarding the maintainability and repair that an interplanetary spacecraft demands are discussed.

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Taking serious chances: Risky missions NASA should do

Article Abstract:

NASA is apprehensive to take any incremental risks after the Columbia's accident, but the only way to get ahead of the risk-curve is to fly more and riskier missions. The critical steps required for the path to spacefaring civilization are described.

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