Space shuttle mission to resume in spring 2005

NASA hopes to resume space shuttle flights in May 2005, officials said on Friday. But the agency has also confirmed it is considering reducing the number of planned shuttle flights - which could affect the completion of &to=http://english.pravda.ru/world/2002/05/31/29547.html' target=_blank>the International Space Station (ISS).

The three remaining space shuttles have been grounded since the shuttle Columbia exploded re-entering the atmosphere in February 2003. &to=http://english.pravda.ru/main/2002/05/27/29346.html' target=_blank>NASA has pushed back the return-to-flight date several times since then, most recently on 1 October, when delays due to hurricanes in August and September scuppered plans for a March 2005 launch, reports New Scientist.