Cape Canaveral (US): Space shuttle
Discovery has some leaky valves that could delay its launch
next month.
NASA discovered the helium leaks over the weekend. The
valves are part of a control system used to manoeuvre the
shuttle in orbit and for re-entry.
NASA spokesman Allard Beutel yesterday said that
engineers will conduct additional tests later this week, to
see if they can live with the problem. If any valves need to
be replaced, Discovery would have to be moved from the pad
back into the Vehicle Assembly Building. That would result in
a lengthy delay.
For now, Discovery is scheduled to blast off April 5
on a two-week supply mission to the International Space
Station. Only four shuttle missions remain.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 09:39