Most importantly, the 2007 "crack free" success gave astronauts and engineers a new level of confidence: that even if debris struck the orbiter, they could scientifically verify the integrity of the heat shield before attempting re-entry.

Even with perfect pre-launch conditions, NASA took no chances once the shuttles reached space. The missions of 2007 perfected the orbital inspection techniques that guaranteed the spacecraft was free of damage before attempting re-entry. The OBSS Scan

Astronauts used the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS)—a 50-foot extension attached to the shuttle's robotic arm. Equipped with laser scanners and high-resolution cameras, the crew spent hours scanning the leading edges of the wings and the nose cap, looking for the tiniest cracks or pits caused by space debris or launch impacts. The R-Bar Pitch Maneuver

Preflight procedures

MPAS is a comprehensive software system that allows engineers to plan and analyze shuttle missions. The software includes a range of tools, including trajectory planning, navigation, and communication systems. MPAS is used to plan every aspect of a shuttle mission, from launch and ascent to re-entry and landing.

The simulator offers an unmatched first-person view of the shuttle's iconic glass cockpit. You aren't just holding a joystick; you are interacting with hundreds of switches, rotating knobs, and configuring the General Purpose Computers (GPCs) just as real commanders and pilots did. Orbital Mechanics

In 2007, the Space Shuttle program continued to push the boundaries of space exploration, with several notable missions taking place throughout the year. One of the most significant missions of 2007 was STS-117, which launched on June 8, 2007. This mission marked the beginning of a new era in space shuttle operations, as it was the first mission to use a new, more efficient main engine.

Delivered the S5 truss segment, a high-speed data system, and a spare parts platform. This flight featured teacher-astronaut Barbara Morgan, carrying forward the legacy of Christa McAuliffe.

The mission involved four spacewalks to activate the new truss and solar arrays, which significantly increased the station’s power supply.