Hot Gases Breached a Shuttle Back in 2000

NASA has released photographs that show how the space shuttle

Atlantis

suffered damage from hot gases back in May 2000 when it returned through the atmosphere on a mission. The damage wasn't permanent and repaired in time for its next mission four months later. NASA blamed the damage on improper installation of a seal between protective panels on the shuttle's left wing.

Atlantis

is expected to be the first shuttle to return to space when NASA begins launches again in early 2004.