Discovery is Still on the Launch Pad

Discovery on Launch Pad 39A... Friday launch? (NASA)
Discovery on Launch Pad 39A... Friday launch? (NASA)

To be honest, I wasn’t going to post an update on the progress of Discovery’s continuing delay, but when I saw this photo I couldn’t resist. In the shot, you can see the pad floodlights and a flash of lightning. Outstanding.

So, the next launch window is looking like it’s going to be at 11:59pm (EDT) Friday night. This will give launch crews some time to analyse results from tests they are carrying out on the potentially faulty valve that caused the previous launch scrub. However, NASA is hopeful the fault is with the sensors giving false readings rather than an engineering fault with the valve itself.

For more shuttle launch updates, keep an eye on Irene Klotz’s Free Space blog

5 thoughts on “Discovery is Still on the Launch Pad”

  1. Just hope they make the right descisions and don't rush her to meet the Aug. 30 deadline. Not sure if I like them playing around with the LCC to get around the telemetry/fill-and-drain valve problem.

  2. Just hope they make the right descisions and don't rush her to meet the Aug. 30 deadline. Not sure if I like them playing around with the LCC to get around the telemetry/fill-and-drain valve problem.

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