Discovery's Launch No Earlier Than Dec. 17

NASA Website ^ | 11/24/10 | NASA

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NASA managers have targeted space shuttle Discovery's launch for no earlier than Dec. 17. Shuttle managers determined more tests and analysis are needed before proceeding with the STS-133 mission. The launch status meeting planned for Monday, Nov. 29, has been postponed and will be rescheduled.

The Program Requirements Control Board 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.

The next status review by the PRCB will be Thursday, Dec. 2. If managers clear Discovery for launch on Dec. 17, the preferred time is about 8:51 p.m. EST.

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This one is turning into quite the nightmare for NASA. The stringer cracks in the external tank were quite bad and needed a level of repair that I am amazed NASA attempted on the pad, as opposed to rolling the whole stack back into the VAB. (Check the picture links at the article for hi-def images of the damage).

In addition, Expedition 25 is returning from the ISS tomorrow evening via Soyez.

[hinckley buzzard]

Sorry. I am sure glad I'm not scheduled to ride this beater into space. I want to live to see how things turn out.

[Not now, Not ever!]

Back in the ‘80’s a co-worker called this vehicle “the Space Scuttle” after they had several launch scrubs, it seems to be happening again, hope it’s a safe flight.

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What still amazes me is the system the Russians use. They roll the stack out on Tuesday using one of The People’s diesel locomotives; erect, inspect, load, and fuel on Wednesday, and launch three Cosmonauts at dawn on Thursday.

NASA couldn’t put together an Estes rocket launch in three days even if the weather was perfect.

Did you take a look at the pictures of those cracks?? I find it hard to believe they can fix that level of damage on the pad. The ET doesn’t have to last long, but it is under incredible stresses during it’s short life...