NASA delays Discovery due to technical glitch

NASA delays Discovery due to technical glitch

NASA had done everything they could to ensure that the Space Shuttle Discovery was ready for launch today. However, it was apparently not good enough. The latest news in is that the space agency has decided to delay the mission after a technical glitch that took place on the shuttle. The problem was detected in the fuel sensor and NASA has yet not announced the next date for the launch. The agency has until the end of this month to launch the shuttle after which it would have to wait for some months to get the next possible launch window.

The problem was detecting when the astronauts were being loaded on the shuttle. One of the four fuel sensors was not giving the appropriate signals. These sensors are required on the shuttle to detect the levels of liquid hydrogen in the external tanks. If it goes too low, it can result in premature shutdown of the engine resulting in bigger problems for the spacecraft. These external tanks provide fuel to the three main engines that propel the orbiter into space.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration spokesperson Allard Beutel said in a statement to the press: “One didn’t give a signal. That doesn’t mean it failed. But four sensors must work to launch. If one of them doesn’t work, we don’t go.” the launch was scheduled for 3:51 p.m. local time from Cape Canaveral, Florida. There are still possibilities that NASA can launch the shuttle as soon as tomorrow. Nevertheless, nothing is officially said yet by the space agency.

NASA would now have to drain the 535,000 pounds of liquid hydrogen and oxygen loaded on the tank to get a closer view at the problem. Then only they can decide on when to launch the shuttle next.