STS-114 Update

NASA ponders launch next week, Orlando Sentinel

"NASA managers are trying to keep all their options open and get Discovery off the ground before the current launch window ends July 31. "Hopefully, in the next 24 to 48 hours, we will find the glitch that has us all confused or frustrated or pick your adjective," said Wayne Hale, NASA's shuttle-program deputy manager."

NASA mulls launch options, SpaceflightNow

"NASA managers today told the shuttle launch team to gear up for a possible attempt to launch Discovery next Tuesday if troubleshooters can either fix the fuel sensor problem that grounded the ship last week or gather enough data to prove it won't affect other sensors this time around."

NASA Is Pushing for a Shuttle Liftoff, NY Times

"But so far, a eureka moment has eluded NASA, and officials are looking for ways to return to flight before the current launching window closes on July 31. If they are unable to launch by then, the next window opens on Sept. 9."

Editor's note: According to Wayne Hale, his team continues to do analysis of the tank and its sensors at ambient temperatures. They may have to go to cryogenic temperatures if the ambient route does not provide any insight. If that is the case, then the vehicle will need to be fueled. The earliest that this is likely to happen is next Tuesday.

NASA Provides Media With Latest Shuttle Launch Status

"Space Shuttle managers will brief reporters today about NASA's Space Shuttle Return to Flight mission (STS-114). The news conference starts no earlier than 5:30 p.m. EDT. It will be live on NASA TV from Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Fla. Questions will only be taken from media at Kennedy."

Baffling problem could prompt shuttle fueling test, Spacefligthnow

"Among a variety of options now on the table, sources said, is another fueling test, either a stand-alone exercise or a tanking test conducted as part of an actual launch countdown, to further isolate the problem. But as of this writing, those are merely options on the table for discussion and no such decisions have been made."