Science and Health

Launch of Discovery no earlier than Dec 3

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-11-19 12:52

WASHINGTON -- The launch of space shuttle Discovery will be no earlier than December 3, the  US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced Thursday, as the agency continues to make repairs.

"We can't make the (November) 30th," NASA spokesman Allard Beutel said.

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Discovery was supposed to lift off on Nov.1, but gas leaks, electrical problem with a backup controller, bad weather and hydrogen leak has forced NASA to postpone its launch by November 30.

Discovery's 11-day mission is its final scheduled flight, and the fourth and final shuttle mission planned for 2010.

The six astronauts for the mission will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) to the station. Two space walks, for maintenance work and component installation, are scheduled.

The PMM carries Robonaut 2, the first human-like robot in space, which will become a permanent resident of the station. In addition, the flight will deliver critical spare parts and an external platform that holds large equipment.