NASA Gives Approval to Shuttle Fuel Tank

NASA approved a major design change in the space shuttle’s fuel tank, clearing the last major hurdle before shuttle flights can resume as early as July 1, officials said.

“There were no surprises. Everything went smoothly,” NASA spokeswoman June Malone said after managers and engineers approved the new tank design at a meeting at NASA’s fuel tank manufacturing plant near New Orleans.

Officials will choose a firm launch date for Discovery at the completion of a formal flight review next week.

The shuttle fleet was grounded for safety upgrades after the fatal 2003 Columbia accident. After changes were made, Discovery was sent aloft in July 2005, but that flight exposed additional problems with the fuel tank.