The first NASA space shuttle launch since the Columbia disaster of 2003 was delayed again today as a problem with Discovery’s fuel sensors surfaced.
Calling a news briefing for later Wednesday afternoon, NASA could not say how long the launch would be delayed.
The window for launch closes on July 31. After that, the International Space Station, the destination of the shuttle, won’t be in the correct orbit position again until September 9.
The isn’t the first time Discovery has had problems with the fuel sensors. Similar issues plagued an April test.
“It is a complex system. Every little part counts,” said astronaut David Wolf during a countdown broadcast.
The Discovery shuttle marks the end of a space shuttle era. In 2010, NASA will be retiring the fleet to make way for next generation space craft. Discovery has been wracked with small technical problems over the last few months.
Launch was delayed in April so modifications would bring the shuttle more up to date as recommended by the independent Stafford-Covey panel. The panel put forth several recommendations, a few of which have not been met. NASA claims certain recommendations, especially regarding the fuel system, would take years to implement. By then, the shuttle would be retired anyway.
The fuel sensor was the latest in a string of small technical issues to surround the shuttle. Yesterday, a plastic and foam window cover fell to damage two heat-resistant tiles. Heat shields damaged from falling debris led to the breakup of the space shuttle Columbia over Texas in 2003.
Earlier today, a faulty fuel system heater (a recently implemented Stafford-Covey recommendation) delayed fueling for more than an hour.
