2010-11-02 12:14:01

US space shuttle Discovery set for final mission


NASA managers say they're pushing ahead with plans to launch the space shuttle Discovery on Wednesday.
The orbiter had initially been scheduled to blast-off on Monday, but a leak caused engineers to delay the mission by two days, until Wednesday.
The flight is slated to be Discovery’s last, and the second to last scheduled flight for the shuttle fleet before it's retired early next year.
NASA's Mike Leinbach says Wednesday's launch will be an emotional moment.
“It’s hard to believe,” he said, “after having Discovery and the rest of the fleet for thirty years flying so well for America.”
NASA officials would like an extra flight in mid-2011, but lawmakers have yet to fund it.
In addition, there are no firm plans for vehicles to replace the shuttle fleet.

Chris Altieri has this report: RealAudioMP3







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