More than two years after the shuttle Columbia blew up during descent, killing all seven crew members, veteran astronaut Eileen Collins will lead NASA’s return to manned space flight when Discovery launches this summer.
Collins, MS ’86, who served on three earlier shuttle flights, is commander of the Discovery mission, which also includes Stephen Robinson, MS ’85, PhD ’91. Asked recently whether she had any apprehension about the shuttle’s safety, Collins told New Scientist: “None. The scenario that brought down Columbia will not happen on this flight or any future flight.” An investigative panel that included Stanford physics professor Douglas Osheroff blamed the Columbia accident on a piece of insulation that dislodged during takeoff and hit the orbiter.
Robinson plans to perform three spacewalks during the 11-day mission.
