The upgrade of the Space Shuttle orbiter Discovery has been deferred due to "budget limitations". The major upgrade, which includes new avionics and a glass cockpit, was due to get underway as soon as the orbiter returned from its latest mission to the International Space Station.
Following its landing on 22 August, Discovery will undergo the normal overhaul which is conducted after every Shuttle mission. The major upgrade is now unlikely to go ahead until next year.
Last year, Shuttle orbiter Atlantis underwent the upgrade, which includes the Honeywell Multifunction Display Subsystem, a Boeing 777-style glass cockpit replacing outdated electromechanical cockpit displays (Flight International, 11-17 April 2000). Endeavour is scheduled for the work in 2006.
Source: Flight International
