Technician’s on Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are working to stop a small leak found in a propellant line for shuttle Discovery’s orbital maneuvering system engines. Last night, crews confirmed the six bolts around the suspect flange were completely tightened. During the process, the leak stopped.
Crews will perform a pressure check today to ensure there is no further leaking. Engineers are meeting to assess the issue.
The leak was found at a flange located at the interface where two propellant lines meet in the shuttle’s aft compartment. The line carries a propellant called monomethyl hydrazine, one of two chemicals used to ignite the 6,000-pound thrust engines seen on either side of the shuttle’s tail above the three main engines.