NASA Says Discovery Looks OK to Fly Home

Posted on: Jul. 29th, 2005 || Source: apnews.myway.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

SPACE CENTER, Houston (AP) - Space shuttle Discovery escaped damage from the potentially deadly chunk of foam that broke off from the fuel tank during liftoff, but may have been struck in the wing by a much smaller piece, NASA said Thursday.

Even if the slight foam fragment did hit, the impact most likely caused no significant damage, said deputy shuttle program manager Wayne Hale.

"We think that that little piece of foam, at that altitude, did not cause any damage of concern," Hale said at an evening press conference.

Despite the latest development, officials said Discovery still looks safe to fly home in a week, but stressed that it will be another few days before the space agency can conclusively give the shuttle a clean bill of health.

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