NASA: July 26 Targeted as Earliest Launch Date

Space Shuttle Program managers have continued working through the weekend to determine the failure of an Engine Cut-Off sensor problem that delayed Discovery's first launch attempt.

Image: Lights on Launch Pad 39B put Space Shuttle Discovery in the spotlight after the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. The Space Shuttle sits on the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP), which is 25 ft. high, 160 ft. long and 135 ft. wide. (Image Credit NASA/KSC)

At a news conference late Monday afternoon, Bill Parsons, Space Shuttle Program Manager announced that troubleshooting is continuing around the clock.

Program Deputy Manager Wayne Hale explained "This team is persistent and energetic and we will conquer this problem too. Once the problem is resolved the next opportunity to tank the vehicle would be Tuesday, the 26th of July."

Hale is hopeful that this week the problem could be identified and NASA managers are still optimistic about a launch within the current window, which ends July 31.

The following is a statement by Eileen Collins, commander of the Space Shuttle’s STS-114 mission:

"My crew will remain in quarantine for the near future, maintaining our proficiency for this mission. We are keeping in close touch with the troubleshooting plan; we have confidence that the best people are working it. In fact, the plan our engineers have put together is impressive, and we are very proud of the work they are doing!

"While the launch delay is disappointing, we have strong confidence that the mission will launch safely and successfully, and we fully support our NASA leadership for taking the time required to understand the problem. We thank all of you for hanging with us!"

Source: NASA

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