Discovery Space Shuttle Launch Delayed Again

The Discovery Space shuttle’s final launch has been delayed, delayed, and delayed again. This morning, there was a potentially dangerous hydrogen gas leak while NASA engineers were fueling up the Discovery for its final launch.

According to the Associated Press, the next launch attempt won’t be made until Monday, but the launch could be delayed until the end of the month.

The hydrogen gas began leaking about halfway through the fueling session this morning. The same problem delayed two shuttle missions last year, but has not happened since then.

Discovery’s final launch is already four days behind schedule, as NASA has been dealing with weather and technical problems. NASA will try to launch the shuttle again on Monday, but it they are unsuccessful, they will have to wait until the end of the month due to poor solar angles starting on Tuesday.

The Discovery shuttle is bringing supplies, and a humanoid robot, to the International Space Station. It will be the Discovery’s 39th and final mission.