Another Launch Schedule Pushback For A Much-Delayed STS-133

One of the most delayed launches in the history of the Space Shuttle program has been delayed yet again. NASA managers have confirmed that they 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.

As a result, the launch status meeting planned for Monday, Nov. 29, has been postponed and will be rescheduled.

The Program Requirements Control Board (PRCB) 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 approximately 8:51 p.m. EST.

During Discovery's final spaceflight, the STS-133 crew members will take important spare parts to the International Space Station. Discovery will deliver to the International Space Station the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM), which was converted from the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo. The PMM will provide additional storage for the station crew and experiments may be conducted inside it, such as fluid physics, materials science, biology and biotechnology. Discovery also will carry critical spare components and the Express Logistics Carrier 4 (ELC4) to the station. Express, which stands for Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station, is an external platform that holds large equipment that can only be transported using the unique capability of the shuttle. The STS-133 mission will feature two spacewalks to do maintenance work and install new components. Robonaut 2, or R2, will be the first human-like robot in space when it flies on Discovery inside the PMM to become a permanent resident of the station.

STS-133 Undergoing Repair Operations

Discovery flew its maiden voyage on Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41-D mission. Later missions included NASA’s return to flight after the loss of Challenger (September 1988) and Columbia (July 2005), launch of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 1990, the final Shuttle/Mir docking mission in June 1998 and Senator John Glenn’s shuttle flight in October 1998. When Discovery retires in 2010, it will have flown into space 39 times, more than any other shuttle. Discovery was named after one of the ships British explorer James Cook used in the 1770s during voyages in the South Pacific.

FMI: www.nasa.gov/shuttle