The preparations for the launch that was supposed to take place at this time (01:36 Florida time, 08:36 Israel time) continued as planned but the rain did not stop
NASA postponed for a day the launch of the space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. This is due to the weather. The preparations for the launch at this time (01:36 Florida time, 08:36 Israel time) continued almost until the last minute and went without a hitch, at the control center they waited for a break in the rain and cloud cover, even for a short time, but the rain did not stop there, even late at night.
The next launch attempt will be made tomorrow morning at 08:10 Israel time.
The reason for the strange launch times - late at night in Florida is NASA's desire to keep up with the planned launch rate - six launches in about eight months in order to complete the construction of the space station before the shuttles are retired in May 2009, although if necessary NASA can slip with an earlier date Until the end of the fiscal year in the USA - October 1, 2010.
The shuttle mission this time, designated STS-128, is relatively simple - uploading supplies to the International Space Station and changing crew members when Nicole Stott will replace Tim Cooper and stay on the International Space Station.
