By MARCIA DUNN
AP Aerospace Writer
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After 143 million miles and nearly a year all told in orbit, space shuttle Discovery is poised to blast off today one last time.
It promises to be a sentimental journey for the six astronauts assigned to the mission as well as the supporting cast of thousands who have painstakingly prepped the world’s most traveled rocketship.
Once more, NASA’s fleet leader is paving a new road, one that leads to shuttle retirement and an uncertain future for America’s space program.