Will the Shuttle make it back to earth?

Well the so called experts say its safe (remember Columbia it was safe as well)

So one way or the other it will get back to earth either in one piece or many.

No, the damage is superficial, other space shuttle flights had much worse damage in the same region without serious problems during reentry.

Just look at the damage during STS-27:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71...

All following damage during reentry was a destroyed antenna between two damaged tiles.

There is no indication of damage to the fragile RCC panels, which caused the Columbia accident. Not all heat shield damage is a reason to be more than just "professionally concerned". Also, the debris strike was just caused by the extremely large amount of tanking cycles because of the many countdown aborts. The ET shrinks pretty violently when ice cold fuel is pumped into it, and slowly expands when the fuel is drained again. Both events are not good for the tiles covering the ET, but without the tiles, the damage risk would be higher.

Yes, but you have to remember, the shuttle was built in the 70's with 60's and 70's technology. It was suppose to fly as many trips and it has. It's at it's end and time to retire to something new.

If they thought that bad of damage had been done, they wouldn't of sent them up there.