Columbia is set to launch Feb. 28 at 6:48 a.m. EST on mission STS-109, pending review of data on the Space Shuttle's hydraulic pump attach bolts. The mission is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the Hubble Space Telescope, the fourth such flight since the telescope's launch in 1990.

"Returning Columbia to orbit to improve the Hubble Space Telescope is a fitting start to what will be a busy and vital year in space." said Space Shuttle Program Manager Ron Dittemore.

"We have more spacewalks planned in the next 12 months than we have ever done in a single year. We are going to fly diverse missions, dedicated to satellite maintenance, research and Space Station assembly, showcasing capabilities unique in the world. The shuttle team has done a great job in preparing for this mission."

A maintenance and upgrade period completed last year installed a new "glass cockpit" in Columbia, increased its cargo capacity, strengthened its crew cabin and enhanced the protection of its cooling system from orbital debris.

Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Shuttle Portal at NASA Hubble Space Telescope SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express Space Shuttle News at Space-Travel.Com Memory Foam Mattress Review SPACE MEDIA NETWORK PROMOTIONS Solar Energy Solutions Tempur-Pedic Mattress Comparison ... Newsletters :: SpaceDaily :: SpaceWar :: TerraDaily :: Energy Daily XML Feeds :: Space News :: Earth News :: War News :: Solar Energy News SHUTTLE NEWS NASA's Soyuz Deal Will Not Scrap Shuttle Washington DC (SPX) Jan 11 2006 NASA's announcement last week that it will pay Roskosmos $43.8 million to transport one astronaut to and another one from the International Space Station this year represents the agency's acknowledgment that it has no immediate alternative if it wishes to continue its presence and participation in the orbiting facility.