Go for Discovery Launch
NASA managers gave space shuttle Discovery the "go" for an April 5 launch date for the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station. After an all-day Flight Readiness Review meeting, there were no unresolved issues that would prevent Discovery and crew from flying a safe and successful mission.
In discussing the earlier problem regarding a troublesome helium isolation valve, it was decided that the built-in redundancy in regulator valves provides protection for the reaction control system. All other shuttle systems, as well as the payload and crew, were deemed ready for flight as well.
At a news conference following the meeting, Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, described a thorough review and concluded, "We are ready to fly."
Discovery is set to liftoff into the predawn darkness from Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A at 6:21 a.m. EDT.
