U.S. shuttle Discovery set for Aug. 25 launch

After meeting Sunday afternoon, NASA's mission management team has given the "go" to continue the launch countdown, according to NASA.
   NASA's Management Team Chair, Mike Moses gave an update of the maintenance and repair projects performed preparing the shuttle for launch and said the only concern at this point was the possible inclement weather just before the external tank is fueled.
   The forecast for launch has improved to 80 percent for favorable weather at time of liftoff according to Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters.
   There is a possibility that storms could form within five miles of Launch Pad 39A just before fueling of the external tank violating constraints but the sea breezes could move them out of the area in time.
   A fueling delay of more than three hours would bump the flight into the next day.
   Launch Director Pete Nickolenko reported that there are four launch attempts available within five days from Aug. 25 through Aug. 30 and he was "96 percent certain" of being able to launch in this time frame.
   Space shuttle Discovery will carry the Leonardo supply module to the International Space Station during STS-128, along with a new crew member for the station, Nicole Stott.
   Three spacewalks are planned during the 13-day flight, Kazinform cites Trend News. See www.en.trend.az for full version.