Space Shuttle external tank (ET) return to flight (RTF) and beyond initiative implementation

The NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and Lockheed Martin team have established a thermal protection system (TPS) certification plan for the external tank (ET) safely back to flight. Testing has been completed to demonstrate the cause of the Space Shuttle Columbia accident is understood, design fixes are in place for the critical TPS areas of concern and the ET is in production being readied for the next shuttle mission.