STS-133 Delayed Until February 2011

NASA Targets Shuttle Discovery’s Launch For No Earlier Than Feb. 3
“NASA managers have targeted space shuttle Discovery’s launch for no earlier than Feb. 3 at 1:34 a.m. EST. Shuttle managers determined more tests and analysis are needed before proceeding with the launch of the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. The Program Requirements Control Board met Thursday and reviewed engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle’s external tank. NASA repaired the cracks and reapplied foam to the exterior of the stringers.”
Marc’s note: STS-134 would launch in April, tentatively on Friday, April 1 at 3:15 a.m. ET and if STS-135 goes ahead, launch would tentatively be in June.