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NASA updates Shuttle target launch dates

The target launch date for European Columbus module which is planned to carry Amateur Radio antennas for ATV operation on 1.26 and 2.4 GHz has been revised. The launch manifest gives a date of Dec 6th 2007 for Columbus on STS-122.

Image above: In the Vehicle Assembly Building, United Space Alliance technician Brenda Morris examines the surface on Space Shuttle Atlantis' external tank where hail damage has been repaired. Photo credit: NASA/KSC

NASA have issued the following statement:

During a meeting Monday at NASA's Johnson Space Center, agency officials revised the target launch dates for space shuttle flights during the next 12 months.

The space shuttle and International Space Station programs agreed to the changes during a meeting to evaluate options following the STS-117 mission's delay, which was caused by hail damage to the external fuel tank.

Flights beyond April 2008 have not been assessed. Both shuttle and station program officials will continue to consider options for the remainder of the shuttle flights and those target launch dates are subject to change.

Upcoming shuttle missions:
-STS-117 targeted for no earlier than June 8, 2007, on Atlantis
-STS-118 targeted for no earlier than Aug. 9, 2007, on Endeavour
-STS-120 targeted for no earlier than Oct. 20, 2007, on Discovery instead of Atlantis
-STS-122 targeted for no earlier than Dec. 6, 2007, on Atlantis instead of Discovery
-STS-123 targeted for no earlier than Feb. 14, 2008, on Endeavour
-STS-124 targeted for no earlier than April 24, 2008, on Discovery instead of Atlantis

The shuttles for STS-120, 122 and 124 were exchanged to best meet the demands of the missions and to have the least amount of impact on the flight schedule.

The shuttle launch manifest is available online at:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/
structure/iss_manifest.html

For details on upcoming shuttle missions and their crews, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

• Call for donations for ARISS Antennas on Columbus
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/march2007/
ariss_antenna_donations.htm

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