NASA says it is very close to resolving all of the safety issues raised by the Collumbia disaster and should be able to launch another shuttle by this coming May.

'I am confident we can launch in the May to June timeframe,' said Bill Parsons, space shuttle program manager. 'We're really looking forward to that...I think everyone is ready for that launch.'

The Columbia failed to successfully re-enter the atmosphere due to gasses that had built up in its left wing which caused an explosion destroying the space craft. All seven crew members on board were killed.

NASA knew of the damage to the wing shortly after takeoff but did not have a clear way to repair it. Most believed the shuttle could re-enter the atmosphere safely despite the damage but that turned out to be a false hope.

Now, NASA hopes to improve the crew's ability to repair damage done during the mission. 'Our goal is to have the maximum amount of repair capability,' said Wayne Hale, deputy space shuttle program manager. 'It is going to be a continually evolving thing.'

The shuttle Discovery has been selected for the next mission which is tentatively scheduled for between May 12th and June 3rd. There are still some final safety details that need to be resolved but America seems very close to resuming space exploration.