STS-114 was the first "Return to Flight" Space Shuttle mission following the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Discovery launched at 10:39 EDT, July 26, 2005. The launch, 907 days after the loss of Columbia, was approved despite unresolved fuel sensor anomalies in the external tank that had prevented the shuttle from launching on July 13, its originally scheduled date.
Discovery performing the first ever rendezvous pitch maneuver during STS-114
Back (L-R): Robinson, Thomas, Camarda, Noguchi Front (L–R): Kelly, Lawrence, CollinsSpace Shuttle program← STS-107STS-121 →
STS 114 day before launch
July 26: Space Shuttle Discovery STS-114 launch.
Space Shuttle Columbia disaster
On Saturday, February 1, 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it reentered the atmosphere over Texas and Louisiana, killing all seven astronauts on board. It was the second Space Shuttle mission to end in disaster, after the loss of Challenger and crew in 1986.
Close-up of the left bipod foam ramp that broke off and damaged the orbiter wing
The crew of STS-107. From left to right: Brown, Husband, Clark, Chawla, Anderson, McCool, Ramon.
STS-107 crew posing for a group photo in space
The crew's view of re-entry
