Space shuttle's heat shield cleared for entry

The shuttle Discovery's heat shield was cleared for re-entry "as is" Wednesday by NASA's Mission Management Team based on a detailed analysis of launch imagery, laser scans conducted by the astronauts the day after launch and a close-up inspection of the shuttle's belly during final approach to the space station. "The Damage Assessment Team provided their final summary to the team and declared that the TPS (thermal protection system) is acceptable for entry," the MMT said in a summary of Wednesday's meeting. More

(Source: Spaceflight Now - Sep 3)