Ice rule waiver being worked on to allow launch

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The launch team is planning to push ahead despite an ice chunk on a liquid hydrogen fuel line, it appears based on the discussion in the Launch Control Center.

A team is working on the rationale for flying with a piece of ice on the pipe, near where it connects to the orbiter. The launch team also is attempting to get concurrence from everyone involved that the rationale is solid for flight.

The final inspection team completed their inspection of a four-inch piece of ice on the fuel line bracket. "It appears it's possible the ice could be diminishing in size," said the NASA TV commentator. Pictures from cameras at the pad seem to indicate less ice than was present before.

The ice was found on the 17-inch liquid hydrogen umbilical fuel line that goes into the tank.

The ice appeared to be 4 inches by 1.5 inches in diameter.

The shuttle team is also looking into a slight hazardous gas in the aft of the orbiter. An "extremely minor" measurement of liquid hydrogen gas in the aft compartment is the issue. The early analysis is that it won't be an issue for launch because the amount is so tiny.