The world waited with bated breath as Discovery hurtled to earth at a speed of over 25,000 km per hour, only heaving a sigh of collective relief when the shuttle touched down.

Discovery's uneventful landing will not quell the doubts over NASA's space shuttle programme. It is uncertain if NASA will send man into space in the conceivable future. At least, not until there is greater satisfaction about the manned mission's safety.

Photograph: Carla Thomas/NASA via Getty Images

Also See: Saluting a star