Discovery faces delay as rain threatens re-entry

by Stevie Smith - Apr 19 2010, 04:12

Having enjoyed a problem-free launch and a successful mission to the International Space Station, the space shuttle Discovery may yet suffer a touch of misfortune as inclement weather conditions threaten to delay its return to Earth.

Specifically, NASA officials have warned Discovery’s crew that rainfall could prove potentially problematic to the point of preventing Monday’s scheduled landing at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

If the weather holds and the Florida window remains open, Discovery is expected to begin its re-entry at around 0743 (EDT) before touching down at 0848 (EDT).

However, if rain does interfere with the schedule, NASA has said its reserve landing strip at Edwards Air Force Base in California will come into play, delaying the shuttle’s return until Tuesday.

Evidently the shuttle’s crew are unfazed by the possible delay – and perhaps even welcome it – with Discovery commander Alan Poindexter commenting that he and the crew would enjoy the extended time in orbit.

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