NASA Administrator Michael Griffin and Space Shuttle Program managers spoke with reporters in a press briefing from Kennedy Space Center. Image credit: NASA/KSC

NASA re-schedules Shuttle Return to Flight

NASA will attempt to launch the Space Shuttle Return to Flight mission (STS-114) no earlier than 2:40 p.m. EDT, Saturday, July 16.

Discovery’s liftoff from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Fla. was postponed yesterday at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

The ET’s liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen were drained this evening. While the tank was being emptied, engineers monitored and collected data on the failed liquid hydrogen sensor. They will continue to collect and analyze data overnight.

Space Shuttle Program managers plan a series of meetings tomorrow to discuss the problem and determine the steps necessary to get back into the launch countdown. The STS-114 crew will remain at Kennedy while engineers work on the problem.

During their 12-day Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station, Discovery’s seven crew members will test new techniques and equipment designed to make Space Shuttles safer. They’ll also deliver supplies and make repairs to the Space Station.

For the latest information about the STS-114 mission, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight

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