ShareThisNASA announced this morning the discovery of gas leaks in the right orbital maneuvering system pod (OMS). There are at least two leaks that are releasing helium and nitrogen gases. This is the same OMS pod that had the fuel leak issue that threatened the launch last week. Those seals were repaired, and now it appears there are two new additional leaks. An update will be made during the scheduled 10AM ET pre-launch briefing. (You can watch live at NASA TV online and if your TV provider carries it)
The launch countdown was due to start at 3PM ET today, but that has officially been delayed until 2PM ET tomorrow, Saturday. This means that the shuttle will launch no earlier than the Tuesday launch date, at 4:17 PM ET. No update on what effect this will have on the #nasatweetup activities scheduled for Sunday. One of the big parts was the trip to the launch pad to watch the service structure being retracted (600' from the shuttle!) but that won't happen until Monday now. It's possible my #nasatweetup posts will not begin until Monday now instead of Sunday.
Stay tuned for updates on the launch and the #NASATweetup.
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