The start of Discovery is assigned to March 11

The start of the US Discovery reusable use for the International Space Station was scheduled for March 11. This, according to ITAR-TASS, said on Wednesday representatives of the NASA manned flights program.

The launch of the "shuttle" was postponed repeatedly. The last time this was done to check the three valves of the fuel supply system (liquefied hydrogen). At the next launch of shuttle in November last year, one of these valves could not stand it and cracked. The failure of these parts can lead to serious consequences. NASA experts conducted additional valve checks and came to the conclusion that there were no cracks in them and the launch will pass normally.

Seven astronauts will go on board Discovery. The ship will deliver the last set of solar panels. Their installation will allow the station to receive electricity in the full required volume. Astronauts plan four outputs to open space for the installation of new equipment and maintenance of the orbital complex.