Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope, one of NASA’s greatest achievements to date.It is also the same date NASA announced its attempt to delay the final two scheduled space shuttle flights, the shuttles Discovery and Endeavour. This move would result in their liftoffs to be pushed into 2011 instead of their original dates of Sept. 16 and Oct. 29.
NASA spokesperson Mike Curie explained the reasoning behind the proposed change. In regards to the STS-133 mission, he said, “They just need a little bit more time to get some of the spare hardware ready to fly.”
The change also includes concern over the sun angles in the scheduled takeoff dates, as well as launch conflicts with other flights. Curie explained a more desirable time would be in 2011.
Although no decisions have been made yet, NASA officials explained the decision to change the date would effect all parties. A final decision to push back the flights will be made July 1.
