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Expert discusses possible consequences of space shuttle damage

(14 August 2007)

A former member of the International Space Station Advisory Panel today shared his concerns over the damage to space shuttle Endeavour.

Professor Martin Ward, who is Head of Astronomy at Durham University, speculated about the possible risks and consequences of the gouge in the space shuttle’s heat shield, sustained during take-off on Wednesday. Astronauts are currently examining the gouge to establish its exact size and depth, and determine whether repairs are necessary. Professor Ward said: “Flying in the space shuttle is a risky business as two out of about 120 flights have resulted in disaster. Nobody would take a commercial plane flight with a one in 60 chance of a crash! “If these heat resistant tiles are not repaired there will be a risk of the shuttle burning up on re-entry as happened with the shuttle Columbia in 2003. Fortunately there are plans to repair the damage in this case. “However, there will certainly be a knock on delay in future shuttle launches which will put at risk missions such as the repair of the Hubble space telescope. NASA urgently needs a replacement for its 25 year old shuttle programme.”