NASA aiming for Discovery Launch on Independence Day

NASA aiming for Discovery Launch on Independence Day

With Discovery Shuttle launch already delayed by a couple of days, NASA is now aiming for an Independence Day launch for the shuttle. If the launch takes place today, it would be Space Shuttle’s first launch on July 4 in as many as 115 shuttle missions.

NASA said in a statement on its Web site: “If the weather cooperates this will be the first Independence Day launch of a space shuttle.” The space agency has an 80 percent chance of favorable weather.

NASA cancelled the launch of the Shuttle craft on July 1 and 2 due to bad weather conditions. July 3 was cancelled, as the space agency wanted the program engineers to get enough rest after two days of hectic activities.

There are also potential problems with a crack in insulating foam on the craft’s surface. However, NASA has said that there is no concern for heating as there is adequate foam in place on the strut.