Despite a last minute computer glitch, the shuttle Discovery blasted off successfully today on its last ever flight. With just over 3 seconds to go before the end of the available launch window, Discovery achieved lift off at 4:50:27PM EST.Discovery is carrying a veteran crew of six, along with supplies and a U.S module destined for the International Space Station. It has been a tough task getting the 39th and final mission launched, with the project running three and a half months behind schedule due to cracks in the internal tank. This long wait was almost for nothing, with a range safety system computer causing problems at the T-minus 5-minute mark.
However, this launch was obviously meant to be, as only 3 seconds before it was too late – the glitch was resolved and the countdown commenced. I am sure there were more than a few nervous moments during this period. “Well, it was kind of an exciting last few minutes of this countdown,” said Launch Director Mike Leinbach, adding “Several of us have been around for many, many countdowns, and this was one for the record books.”
After the shuttle launched there were some other problems as well, with a number of large pieces of protective foam insulation separating and falling away about four minutes after launch. However, these pieces do not seem to have done any damage, and fell away after the shuttle had already left the dense lower atmosphere.
“We did see some foam losses,” said astronaut Charles Hobaugh. “Given the timing of the releases”, he added, “we have no concerns for the vehicle or success. We’ll find out more, of course, as we go through the ascent video with a finer-tooth comb and also after we do the surveys. So we’re looking forward to all that.”
Discovery is going to spend seven days at the International Space Station, leaving on March 5 and returning to Earth on March 8 for a well earned retirement.
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