NASA counting down again for next-to-last launch

NASA counting down again for next-to-last launch

NASA's countdown clocks began ticking again Friday for the next-to-last space shuttle launch, delayed two weeks ago by an electrical problem aboard Endeavour.

Forecasters put the odds of good weather for Monday morning's launch at 70 percent: the main concerns are stiff crosswind and low clouds.

Space shuttle Discovery completes final mission

 

 

 

Space shuttle Discovery completes final mission

The space shuttle Discovery came in for a graceful landing at Kennedy Space Center just before noon today, ending a 13-day mission as well as the orbiter’s 27-year career. It was also the first step in the end of the U.S. space shuttle program.

“The end of a historic journey. To a ship that has led the way, time and time again, we bid farewell to Discovery,” said NASA commentator Charles Hobaugh as the orbiter rolled down the runway.

Discovery’s return leaves just two more shuttle launches — Endeavour in April, and Atlantis in June — before the program is retired. With it will go an estimated 7,000 jobs at Kennedy Space Center.