[X] My Assistant

[Drkskywxlt]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19142473/

NASA is studying the rip, but they are not concerned at the moment because the rip is in a non-critical area. Atlantis will reach ISS tomorrow afternoon to add the next set of solar panels.

[edstrick]

Interesting faction from the post launch briefing. There are now 12 station assembly launches to go, 1 hubble launch, and 2 "contingency" launches, before shuttle retires. They clearly stated that they will fly the contingency launches if they can to the station, loaded with long term supplies and spares, I think things like momentum control reaction wheels and other likely-to-fail-and-REALLY-hard-to-replace-without-shuttle. They are primarily intended to refly missions that "screw up".. say due to a successful launch abort or to deal with other assembly problems, but they will fly them if they can as supply missions.

So...15 shuttle launches to go.

[punkboi]

So...15 shuttle launches to go.

I think it's 14... 13 to ISS and the HST servicing mission. Though it may only be 12 to the ISS if NASA cancels the two "contingency" flights in 2010 for budget reasons