NASA Defers Setting Next Shuttle Launch Date

SHUTTLE NEWS

On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 crew members get a close look at the docking adapter installed in space shuttle Discovery's payload bay. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

by Staff Writers
Cape Canaverla FL (SPX) Feb 23, 2009
During a thorough review of space shuttle Discovery's readiness for flight, NASA managers decided Friday more data and possible testing are required before proceeding to launch.

Engineering teams have been working to identify what caused damage to a flow control valve on shuttle Endeavour during its November 2008 flight.

"We need to complete more work to have a better understanding before flying," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Gerstenmaier chaired Friday's Flight Readiness Review.

"We were not driven by schedule pressure and did the right thing. When we fly, we want to do so with full confidence."

The shuttle has three flow control valves that channel gaseous hydrogen from the main engines to the external fuel tank. Teams also have tried to determine the consequences if a valve piece were to break off and strike part of the shuttle and external fuel tank.

The Space Shuttle Program has been asked to develop a plan to inspect additional valves similar to those installed on Discovery. This plan will be reviewed during a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Afterward, the setting of a new target launch date may be considered.

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SHUTTLE NEWS

Shuttle Flight Readiness Review Still On Track For Feb 20

Cape Canaveral FL (SPX) Feb 19, 2009
Space shuttle Discovery's Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, will be held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 20. A news conference following the meeting will be held to announce the STS-119 mission's official launch date.

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