NASA gives "go" for launch of shuttle Discovery
The Prelaunch Mission Management Team (MMT) now is confident since a main engine controller problem on Discovery has been solved, said Mike Moses, chairman of the MMT. Therefore, the team gave a unanimous "go" for Discovery's launch due to start at 3:29 p.m. EDT (1929 GMT) on Thursday.
"From the vehicle perspective, we're ready to go," Moses said.
However, the weather forecast tells that within 20 miles of the shuttle landing facility, there may have low clouds and rain at launch time.
Thus considering the weather condition, the MMT will meet at 5:30 a.m. EDT (0930 GMT) Thursday and decide then whether to fill the shuttle's huge external fuel tank for the launch.
The shuttle Discovery was supposed to lift off on Monday, but gas leaks and a backup controller problem forced a three-day delay.
Each of the main shuttle engines has a primary and backup computerized controller, serving as electronic brains, which are essential parts that must work perfectly before a launch.
The six astronauts for the mission will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) to the station. The PMM, converted from the multipurpose logistics module Leonardo, will provide additional storage for the station crew.
Besides, two space walks, for maintenance work and component installation, are scheduled. Experiments in such fields as fluid physics, materials science, biology and biotechnology will be conducted inside the PMM.
The PMM will also carry Robonaut 2, the first human-like robot in space which would become a permanent resident in the station.
Nov. 7 is the deadline for NASA to lauch the Discovery, otherwise the flight will be postponed to December due to unacceptable sun angles' reason, Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhaunet.com