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Launch of space shuttle Discovery postponed | NASA has postponed the launch of space shuttle Discovery to no earlier than 4:05 a.m. EST on Nov. 30. The reason
behind the delay is a hydrogen gas leak detected while filling the external tank Friday morning. Engineers and technicians will also assess a foam crack on the
external fuel tank's liquid oxygen intertank flange. The crack was discovered
during de-tanking operations. "We always place safety first," said NASA Associate
Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier. "It is essential we repair
this hardware before we fly the mission, and we will take the time to properly
understand and fix the failure before we launch." Discovery's 11-day STS -133
mission will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module to the International Space
Station. Inside the PMM is Robonaut 2, which will become a permanent resident
of the station. R2 will be used to test how dexterous robots behave in space.
STS -133 also is carrying critical spare components to the space station and the
Express Logistics Carrier 4. ELC 4 is an external platform that holds large equipment.
The mission will feature two spacewalks to do maintenance work and install new
components. STS -133 is the final shuttle mission planned for 2010, Discovery's
39th and final scheduled flight; and the 35th shuttle mission to the station.
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