For the first time since the 2003 space shuttle Columbia disaster, which killed all astronauts on board after the shuttle disintegrated during re-entry over Texas, the United States has sent a manned space shuttle into space – but not without a hitch.
Discovery’s launch, which was delayed nearly two weeks after a faulty fuel sensor gave incorrect readings to the crew, took place off this morning from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
During launch, several of NASA’s 107 cameras captured an unidentifiable piece of debris falling from one of the shuttle’s exterior tanks. NASA says it’s inevitable, and they’ll know by Sunday whether or not it is safe for Discovery to re-enter.
Part of Discovery’s seven member crew will test new methods of inspecting and repairing damage to the thermal protection system of the shuttle, during three planned space walks. Supplies will also be delivered to the International Space Station when the shuttle docks Thursday morning.
The shuttle is expected to return to earth at 5:46am EDT on August 7.