Discovery Set to Launch on Wednesday

NASA is planning for the first space shuttle launch this year, a mission intended to complete the International Space Station’s power system and external beams. The Discovery shuttle is set for liftoff at 9:20 p.m. EDT from the Kennedy Space Center. Astronauts are planning to transport and install a last set of solar wing panels and bring Japan’s first live-aboard station crewman to his new home. The flight has remained on hold since February 12 as managers and engineers reviewed a possible safety issue with valves needed to keep the fuel tank at the right pressure during the 8.5-minute flight into orbit.

NASA replaced the valves and authorized the launch team to begin the 3-day countdown. A final review is set for Monday. Meteorologists are forecasting a 90% likelihood the weather will be good  for launching. The mission, lasting 2 weeks, will complete the station’s 11-part exterior truss. The final piece contains a $300 million set of solar wing panels needed to fully power up the station.

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