Article Posted on : - Nov 03, 2010

Space Shuttle Discovery. A file photo

CAPE CANAVERAL (BNS): NASA has again delayed the final launch of space shuttle Discovery on STS-133 until Thursday, according to NASA officials.

An electrical problem cropped up aboard Discovery early Tuesday. Engineers found issues with one of three power phases, which was narrowed down to either a cockpit circuit breaker or switch that provides power.

"The problems are believed to be tied to a circuit breaker in the shuttle's cockpit," Mike Moses, chair of the Prelaunch Mission Management Team said.

"The Prelaunch Mission Management Team wants to give engineers more time to look deeply into two electrical issues from a main engine computer controller that cropped up this morning," he added.

The Mission Management Team (MMT) will meet on Wednesday at 18:00 pm GMT and then decide whether to try to launch Thursday. The liftoff on Thursday is scheduled for 19:29 pm GMT.

During space shuttle Discovery's final spaceflight, the STS-133 crew members will take important spare parts to the International Space Station along with the Express Logistics Carrier-4.