The operation to move the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) from the International Space Station back to space shuttle Discovery’s cargo bay for return to Earth has been delayed due to a problem with the mechanism that holds the MPLM in place.
Teams are troubleshooting one of the common berthing mechanism’s four control panel assemblies. Until this is resolved, they can’t remove the MPLM. They will continue to troubleshoot the issue until noon EDT today, and then try again tomorrow after late inspection. If the MPLM cannot be removed following late inspection Friday, consideration would be given to adding a day to the mission to try again to remove Leonardo off of Harmony.
Today’s Mission Status Briefing now is no earlier than 11:30 a.m. EDT on NASA Television.