NASA continues assessment of the next Shuttle mission

Because of an ongoing review of the space shuttle's flow control valves, NASA managers are rescheduling meetings next week to assess the launch readiness of shuttle Discovery's STS-119 mission to the International Space Station.

The Space Shuttle Program will hold a meeting February 13 to review data and determine whether to move forward with a flight readiness review on February 18. The official launch date will be set at the readiness review, but for planning purposes launch now is no earlier than February 22.

There are three valves that channel gaseous hydrogen from the shuttle's main engines to the external fuel tank. One of these valves in shuttle Endeavour was found to be damaged after its mission in November. As a precaution, Discovery's three gaseous hydrogen valves were removed, inspected and reinstalled.

For information on the STS-119 mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle