Cosmic binmen to return.THE space shuttle space shuttle, reusable U.S. space vehicle. Developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), it consists of a winged orbiter, two solid-rocket boosters, and an external tank. yesterday became the world's most expensive bin lorry. Astronauts loaded two-and-a-half years' worth of rubbish into a huge container to bring back to Earth. The clean-up was the final part of Discovery's mission at the International Space Station. Mission control told the Discovery crew on Thursday night it was safe for them to make the journey home. NASA NASA: see National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA in full National Aeronautics and Space Administration Independent U.S. had spent $1billion improving shuttle shuttle: see loom. shuttle In the weaving of cloth, a spindle-shaped device used to carry the crosswise threads (weft) through the lengthwise threads (warp). Not all modern looms use a shuttle; shuttleless looms draw the weft from a nonmoving supply. safety so that the fleet could fly again following the Columbia disaster in 2003. But the crew were still forced to carry out repairs to the craft's heat shield after it was damaged by flying debris during blast off. A similar problem caused the damage that led to Columbia breaking upon re-entry. It was feared more repair work would be needed but experts decided the risk of a repeat of the Columbia tragedy was 'remote'. The 13-day mission will come to an end when Discovery touches down on Monday. Some of the rubbish in its 'bin' will be analysed by researchers. NASA have grounded all future shuttle missions until they can find a better way to prevent damage during blast-off |
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