Technicians at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center have begun modifications and repairs to space shuttle Discovery’s external fuel tank’s support beams, known as “stringers.” Additional support structures, called radius blocks, are being added to 94 stringers. NASA said that by the time the repairs are completed the entire circumference of the external tank will be strengthened.
Discovery will not launch on the STS-133 mission before Feb. 24, but shuttle managers have not yet chosen a target date for the mission. The schedule depends in part on traffic at the International Space Station during that time frame. A European cargo spacecraft, ATV-2, is scheduled to launch to the station Feb. 15 carrying supplies and equipment.
During space shuttle Discovery’s final spaceflight, the STS-133 crew members will take important spare parts to the International Space Station along with the Express Logistics Carrier-4.
