Trade You Even

NASA managers decided Friday to switch external fuel tanks for the upcoming space shuttle missions. They came to the conclusion that it would be best to make safety modifications to the tank that is not attached to Discovery.

"We're moving forward, targeting the July window," Kennedy Space Center spokesman Michael Rein said to Florida Today.

After completing additional tanking tests, Discovery will be brought back to the assembly building around the end of the month. It will be removed from the external tank and solid rocket boosters and then attached to the tank and boosters originally planned for STS-121. (photo shows tank being delivered in March)

Work is progressing on the STS-121 external tank and boosters now being prepared for Discovery. A new heater modification kit is being installed to reduce the potential for ice and frost buildup. Tanking tests will be repeated when it returns to the launch pad in sometime in June.

A heater kit will be installed on the Discovery's current tank and rockets which will then be prepared for a September launch of Atlantis. Atlantis will be on standby in case it is needed for a rescue attempt if there is a problem with Discovery.

FMI: www.nasa.gov