It said that, although Nasa was taking steps to protect the shuttle from orbital debris such as spent rocket bodies, satellite fragments and paint chips - there was a real risk that a collision could cripple the shuttle or threaten the safety of the crew.

BBC: Was Columbia struck by space debris?

Putting a satellite into orbit on a long-range rocket as it did in December is a lot different from delivering a warhead to a desired location on such a rocket.

WSJ: North Korea Puts Artillery Forces on Combat Alert

What will be interesting to see now is whether Congress, having made such a fuss about the need for this rocket, will stay the course and continue to fund it as federal funds get squeezed on all sides.

BBC: SLS: The rocket in need of a destination