NASA Studies Possible Problem With Shuttle Discovery

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) – NASA is studying a possible problem with the thermal shielding on shuttle Discovery’s wings.

The situation could force a delay in this month’s launch.

Discovery’s seven astronauts today climbed aboard the shuttle at the Florida launch pad for a practice countdown.

At the same time, shuttle managers discussed whether three of the 44 reinforced carbon panels that line the edges of Discovery’s wings should be replaced.

The shuttle would have to be returned to the hangar for that kind of work, which would mean a launch delay.

Discovery is scheduled to lift off October 23rd with a new live-in compartment for the international space station.

NASA spokesman Allard Beutel said the outer coating on three of the wing panels shows degradation.

Mission Control is at Johnson Space Center in Houston, where the astronauts train.