Space Shuttle Discovery Set for Sunday Launch

The latest postponement of Discovery's launch came on the heels of a series of delays as the shuttle attempts the 28th mission to the international space station. Photo by BGNES

The space shuttle Discovery is on pace for a Sunday launch after a leaky gas venting system has been repaired, CNN reports, citing NASA officials.

The leak had canceled the previously planned Wednesday launch. Flight director Mike Moses said repairs went smoothly, and the shuttle was all set for a Sunday take-off.

The seven-member shuttle crew will be delivering the final parts needed for an expanded solar energy power system that will allow the international space station to double its crew to six people.

The take-off from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida is scheduled for 7:40 pm Eastern time. The weather forecast is for favorable conditions, with only a 20% chance of bad weather that would hinder the launch. The crew is expected to board Discovery at about 4:30 pm Sunday.

Wednesday's launch postponement came on the heels of a series of delays as Discovery attempts the 28th shuttle mission to the space station.

 

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