Discovery rollout delayed by busted water pipe at Kenenedy Space Center

by Steven Mostyn - Sep 9 2010, 06:27

Operational delays related to the U.S. space program are usually connected to technical hiccups or engineering issues. However, the scheduled rollout of the space shuttle Discovery has been pushed back by a minimum of 24 hours after a busted water pipe suddenly crippled the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Discovery had been due to transition from the Orbiter Processing Facility over to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Wednesday morning so that engineers could attach the giant external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters utilised during launch. NASA has instead opted to hold off on the move until the water pipe has been repaired or replaced.

Although the problem is reportedly restricted to just a single 24-inch pipe closely situated to the assembly building, the local water supply has been cut, leaving the entire facility without fire suppression facilities.

Speaking with Space.com, a NASA spokesperson has confirmed that the Kennedy Space Center was largely closed and only open to essential personnel. However, he also said that Discovery’s scheduled November 1 launch on mission STS-133 shouldn’t be affected by the processing delay.

Discovery’s upcoming mission, which will be its last before the entire shuttle fleet is retired in 2011, will see its crew of six astronauts delivering important scientific equipment – including a robotic assistant – to the orbiting International Space Station.

Around the Web