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NASA to attempt last Discovery shuttle launch on Thursday

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NASA experts have decided to give a "go" for Discovery's last launch on Thursday after an issue with a main engine controller has been resolved.

NASA experts have decided to give a "go" for Discovery's last launch on Thursday after an issue with a main engine controller has been resolved.

"From the vehicle perspective, we're ready to go," Mike Moses, chair of the Prelaunch Mission Management Team (MMT), said on Wednesday, adding that the launch could be postponed due to bad weather around the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The MMT will meet early on Thursday to consider the forecast and will decide then whether to fill the shuttle's external fuel tank for the launch, the official said.

NASA has the so-called "launch opportunity window" until Sunday.

The Discovery's 12-day STS-133 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) "will deliver and install the Permanent Multipurpose Module, the Express Logistics Carrier 4 and provide critical spare components to the International Space Station."

Following the STS-133 mission, Discovery will be the first of the shuttle fleet to retire.

According to NASA, Discovery has flown 38 missions to date - more missions than any other shuttle - and made more than 5,600 trips around the Earth.

 

WASHINGTON, November 4 (RIA Novosti)

 

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