They said: 'We're already in flight, we've checked it out, there's nothing we can do on the ground - let's think some good thoughts and hope for a miracle'.

BBC: MPL Nasa

Equally, Mr Gephardt could put aside his differences with the administration, in the interest of unblocking America's already checked and balanced government.

ECONOMIST: Dick Gephardt��s inflation

In a Sunday afternoon briefing from Qatar, British Major General Peter Wall said officials had already checked their standard procedures and they were "satisfied" with them.

CNN: Pilots dead after Patriot accident