NASA says no repair needed to shuttle heat shield

WASHINGTON (AFP) - NASA determined on Thursday that there was no need to attempt a risky repair to the shuttle Endeavour's heat shield because the damage did not present a significant danger, a spokesman said.

The decision was made after three days of aerodynamic and heat tests as well as lengthy deliberations among the team supervising the shuttle mission.

The concern had been that the 8.75 by 5.0 centimeter (3.5 by 2.0 inch) gash created during the shuttle's launch could create excess friction as the shuttle hurtles into the Earth's atmosphere at high speeds.