NASA RESCHEDULES SHUTTLE LAUNCH STATUS MEETING, DISCOVERY’S LAUNCH NO EARLIER THAN DEC. 3
HOUSTON — NASA managers have postponed a launch status meeting and news conference planned for Monday, Nov. 22. The events were rescheduled after a Space Shuttle Program meeting Thursday determined more analysis is needed before proceeding toward the launch of space shuttle Discovery on its STS-133 mission.
The Program Requirements Control Board (PRCB) identified the analysis and repairs required to safely launch Discovery. This analysis will be done during the next five days and reviewed at a special PRCB on Wednesday, Nov. 24. Pending a successful review of the flight rationale at that meeting, a launch status briefing will be held with senior NASA managers on Monday, Nov. 29.
Work has been under way to fix a leaking hydrogen system that caused the initial delay, and to repair cracks atop two 21-foot-long support beams, called stringers, on the exterior of the shuttle’s external fuel tank.
The Kennedy Space Center will begin the launch countdown no earlier than Nov. 30. That would support a launch attempt for Discovery no earlier than Dec. 3 at approximately 2:52 a.m. EST.
For STS-133 crew and mission information, visit:
Now rescheduled for no earlier than December 17.