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Shuttle waits for landing chance Shuttle landing delayed for a day
(about 3 hours later)
The shuttle Discovery is scheduled to land at the Kennedy Space Center later after completing its mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The landing of the shuttle Discovery at the Kennedy Space Center has been delayed for at least a day due to bad weather in Florida.
It is not certain though that the orbiter will be able to get down as planned because of poor weather. Thunderstorms and strong winds meant that the US space agency Nasa skipped both Thursday landing possibilities.
Thunderstorms and strong winds at its Florida landing site may force the ship to delay its return by a day. The shuttle, which is returning from a mission to the International Space Station (ISS), will have to orbit the earth for a 14th day.
The US space agency (Nasa) is looking at the possibility of using a runway at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The new landing slot is at 1754 (2154 GMT) on Friday.
However the weather forecast for Friday is worse, and Saturday is only a little better.
Nasa says if necessary it will consider the possibility of using a runway at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Three spacewalks
Discovery took a furnace and freezer up to the station for use in science experiments.Discovery took a furnace and freezer up to the station for use in science experiments.
It also delivered a new sleeping compartment, an air purification system and a treadmill to help maintain astronauts' health.It also delivered a new sleeping compartment, an air purification system and a treadmill to help maintain astronauts' health.
In addition, Discovery dropped off US astronaut Nicole Stott for a three-month stay on the platform, picking up colleague Tim Kopra for the ride home. Kopra has been living on the ISS for the past 44 days.In addition, Discovery dropped off US astronaut Nicole Stott for a three-month stay on the platform, picking up colleague Tim Kopra for the ride home. Kopra has been living on the ISS for the past 44 days.
Three spacewalks were conducted during the mission. The exterior work included the replacement of an exhausted ammonia tank. Ammonia is used in the station's cooling system.Three spacewalks were conducted during the mission. The exterior work included the replacement of an exhausted ammonia tank. Ammonia is used in the station's cooling system.
The job of building the space station is nearly doneThe job of building the space station is nearly done
Cabling was also laid in readiness for the arrival early next year of another module. This new "room" will have a large window attached to it. The Cupola, as it is known, is expected to give crewmembers the perfect vantage point from which to control future robotic operations on the outside of the ISS.Cabling was also laid in readiness for the arrival early next year of another module. This new "room" will have a large window attached to it. The Cupola, as it is known, is expected to give crewmembers the perfect vantage point from which to control future robotic operations on the outside of the ISS.
As Discovery circled the Earth waiting for an opportunity to return, a new unmanned cargo ship was launched from Japan destined for the space station. It is carrying 4.5 tonnes of supplies.As Discovery circled the Earth waiting for an opportunity to return, a new unmanned cargo ship was launched from Japan destined for the space station. It is carrying 4.5 tonnes of supplies.
The H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) is not expected to arrive at the platform for another week. It must complete a number of demonstration manoeuvres to prove it can safely operate near the station.The H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) is not expected to arrive at the platform for another week. It must complete a number of demonstration manoeuvres to prove it can safely operate near the station.
The US space agency plans six further shuttle flights to the ISS before retiring its re-useable spaceship fleet at the end of next year or early in 2011.The US space agency plans six further shuttle flights to the ISS before retiring its re-useable spaceship fleet at the end of next year or early in 2011.
Atlantis is the next orbiter to launch. Its mission, set for November, will deliver important spares.Atlantis is the next orbiter to launch. Its mission, set for November, will deliver important spares.