Shuttle hits bird, returns to orbit

On the way off of Pad 39B, STS-114’s external fuel tank hit a bird, a little over two seconds into the launch.

Launch video here[*1] (bird strike not visible, unfortunately). NASA TV did however show a still photo just before the unfortunate demise of the bird in a briefing this afternoon. If they post anything more on Shuttle-bird-gate, I’ll link to it.