Discovery Poised to Liftoff, SpaceRef “NASA is poised to launch space shuttle Discovery on her last mission this Thursday at 4:50 p.m. EST. It seems with all recent attempts to get Discovery launched, NASA is working one minor leak issue. However the issue should not cause any delay.”

NASA Sets Shuttle Discovery’s Launch For No Earlier Than Dec. 17, NASA “The Program Requirements Control Board (PRCB) reviewed on Wednesday repairs and engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, on the shuttle’s external tank. Managers decided the analysis and tests required to launch Discovery safely are not complete. The work will continue through next week.”

Space Shuttle Discovery Launch Postponed to no Earlier than November 30, SpaceRef “NASA has decided to postpone the launch of Discovery to no earlier than November 30. This is a result of the hydrogen leak that occurred early in tanking of the shuttle external tank. It turns out there also was a crack in the foam of the external tank.” Keith’s note: There are lots of NASA planes headed back […]

NASA Gives GO for Launch of Discovery Today, SpaceRef “After a stormy day Thursday, Friday is looking like a great day to launch. There is a 70% chance of launch with the only concern potential wind gusts at launch time. At this time NASA is currently filling the external tank with its flight load of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants.” Marc’s Update 8:22 am EDT: NASA Managers have made […]