[sarex] NASA sets date for STS-114 Launch

["RANSOM, KENNETH G. (JSC-OC) (BAR)" <kenneth.g.ransom1@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The following is a press release announcing the intended launch date for the
shuttle. 
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2005/jun/HQ_05_171_FRR.html
<http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2005/jun/HQ_05_171_FRR.html>  
Text version is below. All but one of the crew is a licensed amateur radio
operator.
Kenneth - N5VHO
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June 30, 2005

Dean Acosta/Allard Beutel
Headquarters, Washington 
(Phone: 202/358-1898/4769) 

Michael J. Rein
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(Phone: 321/867-2468)

RELEASE: 05-171

NASA GIVES GO FOR SPACE SHUTTLE RETURN TO FLIGHT

NASA has cleared the Space Shuttle to Return to Flight. After a 
two-day Flight Readiness Review meeting at NASA's Kennedy Space 
Center in Florida, senior managers approved a July 13 launch date for 
Discovery. 

Commander Eileen Collins and her crew are scheduled to lift off at 
3:51 p.m. EDT on the first U.S. space flight since the February 2003 
loss of the Shuttle Columbia. 

"After a vigorous, healthy discussion our team has come to a decision: 
we're ready to go," NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said after the 
meeting. "The past two and half years have resulted in significant 
improvements that have greatly reduced the risk of flying the 
Shuttle. But we should never lose sight of the fact that space flight 
is risky. 

"The Discovery mission, designated STS-114, is a test flight," Griffin 
said, noting that astronauts will try out a host of new Space Shuttle 
safety enhancements. In addition, Discovery will carry 15 tons of 
supplies and replacement hardware to the International Space Station. 
July 13 is the beginning of three weeks of possible launch days that 
run through July 31. 

NASA's Associate Administrator for Space Operations, William Readdy, 
chaired the Flight Readiness Review, the meeting that traditionally 
sets launch dates and assesses the Shuttle's fitness to fly. 

"Today's decision is an important milestone in returning the Shuttle 
to service for the country. Our technical and engineering teams are 
continuing their in-depth preparations to ensure that Eileen and her 
crew have a successful mission," he said. 

	
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