I watched a press conference last night from the NASA big shots. Here's a couple of things:
Before launch tests and simulations will continue. NASA says they are ready and willing to delay the launch, scheduled for as early as May 15th. To miss the window on May 15th is ok. They say lots of people in the chain can call for a "no go" recommendation.
At launch there will be over 100 cameras and radar looking for problems. Some on the shuttle and launch pad, some mounted farther away, some on ships, and some on planes that will follow the shuttle at launch. Some of these are new cameras and views, some older ones have been upgraded to HD video. They will probably see lots of debris but the key will be how big it is and did it do any damage.
They have set the time of launch to get the clearest view of the tanks etc. Too early in the am or too late in the pm and too many shadows so the daily launch window will be very specific.
The mission is set to go to the ISS (International Space Station). Once near the ISS the shuttle will turn in a slow spin for about 90 seconds. The ISS crew will examine the tiles and look for damage. 90 seconds doesn't seem like much time but NASA said on simulators it was much more than enough time to do the inspection, and there was a little risk having the shuttle crew not in visual contact with the ISS during the spin, so 90 seconds will be fine.
If the crew wants to they can inspect the shuttle with cameras mounted on remote arms, but I think they will only do that if needed. During the flight the crew will do a spacewalk and simulate a repair.
What if things go wrong and there is damage and the shuttle can't make it back? NASA said they could have a rescue shuttle ready to go in a little over 30 days if everything went ok. Shuttle launches are often delayed because of weather or whatever and about 30 days is the earliest the next shuttle could go up. The shuttle crew in space could stay on the ISS for a short time if needed while waiting for the rescue shuttle to come.
Why go up with a full crew instead of a test crew? NASA said it was discussed to just go up with 4, but thought if it was safe for 4 it was safe for a full shuttle crew and payload.
I got the impression that NASA is pretty confident on the engineering of the shuttle, but even they say you really don't know until you fly it. I really hope they feel comfortable calling for a delay if needed. I really hope they don't have to.
The shuttle is one of the greatest American achievements. I was so sad when we lost Columbia. My story of that day is here.
I and space exploration fans around the world are all looking forward to STS-114.
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