NASA closer to getting extra space shuttle flight

(AP) -- There's still the matter of money. But it looks increasingly likely that NASA will get an extra space shuttle flight.

President Barack Obama signed the NASA 2010 Authorization Act into law Monday, following last week's approval by Congress. The measure directs NASA to move forward with an additional shuttle flight, before retiring the fleet.

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson says the funding issue should be resolved once Congress returns to Washington in a lame duck session next month.

Only two shuttle launches officially remain, with the next one coming up Nov. 1. The extra space station delivery mission would take place next June.

Nelson says the additional flight will ease the impact of shuttle job cuts.