Discovery launch to go ahead even if fuel gauge malfunctions: NASA

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2005

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States (AFP) — Discovery's launch could go ahead even if a fuel gauge malfunction reoccurs, but weather might delay the liftoff, NASA said, two days ahead of the first space shuttle flight since the 2003 Columbia disaster.

NASA ran more than 160 tests but has failed to explain what exactly caused the failure of one of the four hydrogen level sensors that prompted the last-minute cancellation of the July 13 launch.

The space agency hopes to detect the root of the problem during last-minute testing while the shuttle's massive external tank is being filled.

If the problem reoccurs on the same sensor or another similar one and engineers have a clear understanding of the problem, the launch would go ahead as planned, said Wayne Hale, deputy...