After self-check, Discovery to link-up with space station

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2006

HOUSTON, United States (AFP) — The US space shuttle Discovery was heading for a rendezvous with the International Space Station after an inspection by its crew showed the spacecraft sustained no visible damage during lift-off. Crew members used the robotic arm and its cameras to check Discovery's heat shield and upper surfaces as the shuttle hurtled in orbit toward the station Sunday.

"Early indications is that all of the systems of Discovery and the external tank and the solid rocket boosters performed very well," John Shannon, chairman of the Mission Management Team, told reporters Monday. "We also look at the early warning system that we have for any debris on ascent and the team sees nothing of concern at this time." Docking preparations scheduled for Monday include the...