In 1995, what delayed the launch of the space shuttle Discovery?
- A. astronauts who overslept
- B. woodpeckers
- C. fuel shortage
- D. hurricane
28% of players knew the correct answer: B., woodpeckers
In 1995, NASA delayed the launch of the space shuttle Discovery, after they discovered woodpeckers had punctured dozens of holes in the foam insulation of a fuel tank. The birds were identified as yellow-shafted flickers, which display such behavior during courtship, and to mark their territory.
Listen and learn more about today's topic with Murray and Tamika.
Question of the Day: Flirtatious Woodpeckers and NASA
Who knew woodpeckers could alter the mission of a group of astronauts? In this Flashcast, Murray and Tamika explain how some flirtatious birds delayed the launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1995.
