spacetoday.net: Engine problem unlikely to delay Atlantis launch

Engine problem unlikely to delay Atlantis launch

Posted: Fri, Jun 17, 2011, 6:34 AM ET (1034 GMT)
STS-135: shuttle on pad (NASA/KSC)

A faulty engine valve on the space shuttle Atlantis found earlier this week can be replaced without causing a delay in the planned final shuttle launch, NASA officials said. A hydrogen fuel valve in one of the shuttle's three main engines appeared to leak during a tanking test earlier this week, leading shuttle managers to decide to replace the valve. That replacement will take place in parallel with other work, including x-raying tank structures to ensure that none of its support structures suffered cracking during tanking. Managers believe that the valve replacement will not delay the launch of STS-135, the final shuttle mission, currently scheduled for July 8.