Despite the recent decision to delay the shuttle’s return to flight by another two months, morale here remains strong with workers determined to get shuttle crews back into Earth orbit soon, but as safely as possible.

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Leonard David has been reporting on space activities for nearly 50 years. He is the 2010 winner of the prestigious National Space Club Press Award and recently co-authored with Apollo 11’s Buzz Aldrin the book “Mission to Mars — My Vision for Space...