Feb. 25, 2009

Katherine Trinidad
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
katherine.trinidad{at}nasa.gov

Kyle Herring
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
kyle.j.herring{at}nasa.gov

RELEASE: 09-042

SPACE SHUTTLE PROGRAM COMPLETES NEW PLAN FOR NEXT LAUNCH

WASHINGTON -- NASA's Space Shuttle Program has established a plan
that
could support shuttle Discovery's launch to the International Space
Station, tentatively targeted for March 12. An exact target launch
date will be determined as work progresses with the shuttle's three
gaseous hydrogen flow control valves.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians have started
removing Discovery's three valves, two of which will undergo detailed
inspection. Approximately 4,000 images of each valve will be reviewed
for evidence of cracks. Valves that have flown fewer times will be
installed in Discovery. Engineering teams also will complete analysis
and testing to understand the consequences if a valve piece were to
break off and strike pressurization lines between the shuttle and
external fuel tank. Hardware modifications may be made to the
pressurization lines to add extra protection in the unlikely event
debris is released.

NASA and contractor teams have been working to identify what caused
damage to a flow control valve on shuttle Endeavour during its
November 2008 flight. Part of the main propulsion system, the valves
channel gaseous hydrogen from the main engines to the external tank.
After a thorough review of shuttle Discovery's readiness for flight
on Feb. 20, NASA managers decided more understanding of the valve
work was required before launching Discovery.

The Space Shuttle Program will hold a meeting March 4 to review new
data and assess ongoing work. Managers then will determine whether to
move forward with a flight readiness review March 6.

If Discovery's tentative launch date holds, there will be no effect
on
the next two shuttle launches: STS-125 to NASA's Hubble Space
Telescope and STS-127 to the International Space Station.

For STS-119 crew and mission information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

For information about the space station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

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