NASA wanted Atlantis back as soon as possible to clear the way for the navy to shoot down a dying space satellite.
Officials said it would have been dangerous for the shuttle to descend through any debris field generated by the shoot-down.
NASA wanted Atlantis back as soon as possible to clear the way for the navy to shoot down a dying space satellite.
Officials said it would have been dangerous for the shuttle to descend through any debris field generated by the shoot-down.