Space managers have postponed shuttle Discovery's final launch attempt due to hydrogen leak and the next launch attempt would be no earlier than Monday, NASA said on its website on Friday.
Earlier in the day it was announced, that Discovery's launch attempt is targeted for 3:04 p.m., however a hydrogen leak occurred at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, GUCP.
"During the process of filling the external tank, the hydrogen leak was detected at the GUCP, an attachment point between the external tank and a 17-inch pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from Discovery to the flare stack, where it is burned off," NASA said.
The delay was the latest in a series of postponements for NASA's oldest and most traveled space shuttle. On Thursday, the final launch was delayed due to weather conditions.
Discovery's 12-day mission to the International Space Station "will deliver and install the Permanent Multipurpose Module, the Express Logistics Carrier 4 and provide critical spare components to the International Space Station."
Following the STS-133 mission, Discovery will be the first of the shuttle fleet to retire.
According to NASA, Discovery has flown 38 missions to date - more than any other shuttle - and orbited the Earth more than 5,600 times.
MOSCOW, November 5 (RIA Novosti)
