US shuttle heads for landing after successful mission

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (AFP) — The US shuttle Discovery is racing back to Earth on Saturday after a successful mission to deliver and open Japan's first space laboratory at the International Space Station.

The shuttle, carrying seven astronauts, left orbit and plunged toward the Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of its landing set for 11:15 am (1515 GMT).

NASA gave the shuttle the green light to wrap up its two-week journey after it determined that the loss of a small clip from its rudder posed no risk during landing.

The V-shaped thermal barrier clip, measuring 6.5-by-2.5 centimeters (2.5 inches by one inch), is only needed during the shuttle's ascent, the US space agency said.

"It's not an issue whatsoever," deputy shuttle program manager...