Feb. 06, 2009

John Yembrick
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
john.yembrick-1{at}nasa.gov

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

RELEASE: 09-026

NASA CONTINUES ASSESSMENT OF THE NEXT SHUTTLE MISSION

WASHINGTON -- Because of an ongoing review of the space shuttle's
flow
control valves, NASA managers are rescheduling meetings next week to
assess the launch readiness of shuttle Discovery's STS-119 mission to
the International Space Station.

The Space Shuttle Program will hold a meeting Feb. 13 to review data
and determine whether to move forward with a flight readiness review
on Feb. 18. The official launch date will be set at the readiness
review, but for planning purposes launch now is no earlier than Feb.
22.

There are three valves that channel gaseous hydrogen from the
shuttle's main engines to the external fuel tank. One of these valves
in shuttle Endeavour was found to be damaged after its mission in
November. As a precaution, Discovery's three gaseous hydrogen valves
were removed, inspected and reinstalled.

For information on the STS-119 mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle


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