Saturday, October 30, 2010

Discovery launch moved to Wednesday

NASA is now targeting a 3:52 p.m. Wednesday launch of Discovery to the International Space Station.

Repairs to fittings on a helium line attached to a rocket engine pod have taken longer than anticipated.

Managers this morning decided the repairs and repressurization of the system wouldn't be complete in time to start the countdown at 2 p.m. today.

The switch to Wednesday ends concerns about launch day crowds having an impact on Election Day.

Discovery's final launch was first targeted for 4:40 p.m. Monday, then 4:17 p.m. Tuesday.

NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding will discuss launch plans at a 10 a.m. briefing today. Click the NASA TV image at right to watch it live.

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