Photo credit: NASA TV
The second launch attempt of the space shuttle Discovery was scrubbed earlier today when a problem developed with a valve in the aft compartment.
On Tuesday morning, Discovery’s first launch attempt was scrapped on account of poor weather conditions.
Discovery will carry the Leonardo supply module to the International Space Station during STS-128, along with a new crew member for the station, Nicole Stott.
Commanded by veteran astronaut Rick “C.J.” Sturckow, the STS-128 mission crew will deliver refrigerator-sized racks full of equipment, including the COLBERT treadmill, an exercise device named after comedian Stephen Colbert.
Stott will take the place of Tim Kopra, who moved into the station during STS-127. Pilot Kevin Ford and Mission Specialists Patrick Forrester, Jose Hernandez, John “Danny” Olivas and Sweden’s Christer Fuglesang round out the crew.
NASA has indicated that the next launch attempt would be Friday, 29 August at 12.17 a.m.
