Discovery Set to Blast Off

Lightning could still delay launch
By Mat Probasco,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 24, 2009 2:20 AM CDT
Discovery Set to Blast Off
Space Shuttle Discovery is prepared for takeoff at the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Fla. It's scheduled to lift off tomorrow morning on a mission to the International Space Station.    (AP Photo/Terry Renna)

NASA has cleared the Space Shuttle Discovery and its crew of seven to launch tomorrow, as long as a slight chance of lightning doesn't delay fueling efforts, reports Space.com. NASA won't fuel the spacecraft—preparing for a 13-day resupplying mission—if there is a 20% or greater chance of lightning within five miles. So far, skies are expected to be clear.
(More Discovery stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X