Long wait for Discovery's all-clear to fly home

[NorthernSun]

NASA has extended the Discovery shuttle's mission to 13 days in order to send astronauts on a third spacewalk to test new shuttle repair techniques.

"I am very happy to announce that the mission management team approved the extra day for the Discovery mission," deputy shuttle program manager John Shannon told reporters at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas on Friday

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/long-wait-for-discoverys-allclear-to-fly-home/2006/07/08/1152240523172.html

First I heard of these 'tests'

[Ezlivin]

1. Half the mission will be determining if they can safely finish the mission

Can you imagine leaving on a trip and spending half of your time inspecting and re-inspecting your vehicle to make sure it wouldn't kill you on the return trip?

The Shuttle is long in the tooth and it's time to put it out to pasture. If it weren't for our pesky commitment to the ISS we could probably stop flying it now.

I guess we'll soon hear the chorus of those who say it's time to privatize the space program.

[salvorhardin]

2. No, they were planned on beforehand

But were contingent on power (fuel).

[Alacrat]

3. Safe return

The crew on this flight is very brave, I wish them a safe return.

[bullimiami]

4. i wish them well too. sadly the govt and agencies responsible are more

interested in PR than safety or science these days.