NASA officials reviewing launch footage from the launch of space shuttle Discovery have observed what is believed to be a piece of thermal tile break off Discovery during liftoff. The tile hit the shuttle near the sensitive nose wheel area.
Additionally, an object - perhaps a piece of foam insulation, seemed to fly off the tank, missing the shuttle on its way. The shuttle also hit a bird on its way up.
NASA flight operations manager John Shannon says that it is unknown at this time if these incidents pose any danger to the shuttle. The traditional post launch party has been called off.
