STS-128 launch countdown resumes
The countdown for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-128 mission resumed at 14:57 CEST today at the T-11 hour point. Tests on a liquid hydrogen fill and drain valve on the Shuttle's external tank are complete. Data will be reviewed by the mission management before giving the go-ahead for launch on 28 August at 06:22 CEST.
The external tank fill and drain valve and its position indicator both operated normally during testing. And all leak checks were within specification.
The evaluation of the low-level hydrogen leak detected in a tail service mast on the mobile launcher platform on Launch Pad 39A following Tuesday's launch scrub is complete, and no leaks were detected.
All the test data will be reviewed by the mission management team at 18:00 CEST, before giving the go-ahead for Friday's launch. Mission managers also are scheduled to meet at 20:15 CEST to give the 'Go - No Go' for tanking.
The seven STS-128 astronauts are sleeping and will wake up for launch day preparations at 19:30 CEST.
