Hello,

NASA's attempt (early Weds. morning) to remove gap filler on the underside of Discovery is a truly remarkable event.
"Like most kinds of repairs, it is conceptually very simple, but it has to be done very, very carefully..." -Astronaut Steve Robinson. "Astronaut Robinson's task is to stand on the end of the robot arm mounted on the International Space Station, where Discovery is docked, and either pull out or trim the gap filler. He must be very careful not to strike and damage the delicate tiles with his space suit or tools..." Source

I knew with all of the imaging during Discovery's mission nothing would escape NASA's scrutiny. We are fortunate that the issues appear to be managable, i.e. some gap filler, and a potential fly back issue with the cockpit window blanket. That said, Deputy Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale stated "We have classified the gap fillers as an in-flight anomaly that we are going to resolve before we fly again..."

More on point, this type of event (inflight repairs) shows us the beauty and wonder of human nature. It showcases the human will to survive and the hallmark of NASA Astronauts - adaptability. In short, it evidences why we live. The dangers of working and living in space are daunting, but we have taken these challenges head on and continue to thrive in LEO (sigh). Nevertheless, at some point in the history of our species, we will likely be the first known creature to defend its planet from a meteor, comet, or other form of space "hazard." We are all truly unique and should charish life on this blue planet. Let us not get bogged down in meangingless posts with people like Grondine, let us use our time to study, appreciate, and (perhaps most importantly) wonder at the cosmos. I can only (gleefully) wonder at the days ahead as our knowledge and understanding of items such as dark energy, dark matter, and space-time increase.

Cheers to Discovery! (in every sense of the word)

It's nice to spend time in the Habitable Zone.
Regards, Vince