Gas leak delays shuttle launch
November 6, 2010, Saturday
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Print Edition
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A POTENTIALLY dangerous hydrogen gas leak cropped up as NASA fueled Discovery for liftoff yesterday, resulting in yet another delay for the space shuttle's final voyage - possibly until the end of the month.
It was the latest problem - and most serious - to hit NASA's oldest and most traveled shuttle this week.
Another attempt would not be made before Monday, NASA spokesman Allard Beutel said.
Midway through the fueling process, hydrogen gas began leaking from the attachment point for a vent line on the external fuel tank. The same type of problem that forced delays for two shuttle missions last year, and had not reoccurred since then.
Managers halted the countdown two hours after fueling began. The six astronauts had yet to board the shuttle.
Discovery's final mission had already been running four days late because of technical and weather problems.
Monday represents the last opportunity this month for NASA to send the shuttle to the International Space Station with a load of supplies and the first humanoid robot bound for orbit. Otherwise, the flight will be off until November 30 because of unacceptable solar angles.
Beutel said it will be a -challenge to fix the problem by Monday.
The leak, described as substantial, was considered serious because of the flammability of hydrogen gas.
It was the closest NASA had come to launching Discovery and its veteran crew of astronauts led by commander Steven Lindsey on this mission.
Three previous delays were caused by gas leaks and a sluggish circuit breaker.
It was the latest problem - and most serious - to hit NASA's oldest and most traveled shuttle this week.
Another attempt would not be made before Monday, NASA spokesman Allard Beutel said.
Midway through the fueling process, hydrogen gas began leaking from the attachment point for a vent line on the external fuel tank. The same type of problem that forced delays for two shuttle missions last year, and had not reoccurred since then.
Managers halted the countdown two hours after fueling began. The six astronauts had yet to board the shuttle.
Discovery's final mission had already been running four days late because of technical and weather problems.
Monday represents the last opportunity this month for NASA to send the shuttle to the International Space Station with a load of supplies and the first humanoid robot bound for orbit. Otherwise, the flight will be off until November 30 because of unacceptable solar angles.
Beutel said it will be a -challenge to fix the problem by Monday.
The leak, described as substantial, was considered serious because of the flammability of hydrogen gas.
It was the closest NASA had come to launching Discovery and its veteran crew of astronauts led by commander Steven Lindsey on this mission.
Three previous delays were caused by gas leaks and a sluggish circuit breaker.
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