entered the Earth's atmosphere, searing gases melted the wing from the inside out, causing the ship to disintegrate. The seven astronauts on board were killed. NASA officials have given their blessing to Discovery's return, saying the ship appears safe for the rigors of re-entry. However, they stopped short of making any guarantees. Deputy shuttle program manager Wayne Hale has said a torn thermal blanket near Discovery's cockpit, which was ripped during launch, could be an issue during the shuttle's return. Hale said, however, that engineering analysis indicates there is only a slim chance of the blanket ripping off and slamming into the spacecraft as it makes its way back to Earth. Collins and her crew told The Associated Press this week they are confident in their ship. «De-orbit is not perfectly risk free, but the vehicle is in pristine condition,» Hill said. «Our big risk now _ aside from the inherent risk of de-orbiting through a fireball _ would be weather, which is absolutely outside of our control.» --SP 1329 Local Time 1029 GMT
