More Cracks Found In Discovery's External Tank
Engineers have found more cracks in space shuttle Discovery’s external tank (ET) now that the orbiter has been rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for closer examination.
Discovery’s launch was delayed because of a gas leak on November 5, after which cracks were found in “stringers” on one side of the ET. The opposite side could not be examined while the shuttle remained on the launch pad. Now that it is back at the VAB, a complete inspection revealed additional cracks.
NASA said that X-ray analysis showed four small cracks on three stringers and they will be repaired “in a similar fashion to repairs made on cracks discovered” earlier. The launch is currently scheduled for no earlier than February 3.
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