Space shuttle Discovery launch cancelled, hydrogen leak to blame
Posted Nov 5, 2010 08:56:53 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA has called off Friday’s launch attempt for space shuttle Discovery because of a fuel leak.
Hydrogen gas began leaking Friday morning, midway through the fueling process.
NASA said it’s the same type of problem that delayed two shuttle missions last year. It’s considered a serious problem because of the flammability of hydrogen gas.
NASA said the next launch attempt will be no earlier than Sunday. It’s possible, though, the flight may be off until December.
If Discovery isn’t flying by Sunday, its trip to the International Space Station will have to wait until the beginning of next month because of unacceptable solar angles.
It’s the final mission for Discovery as NASA closes down the shuttle program.
