NASA plans fueling test for space shuttle

[June 25, 2009]  CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- NASA will conduct a fueling test next week on space shuttle Endeavour to see if a hydrogen gas leak has been plugged.

The leak led to back-to-back launch delays earlier this month while the spacecraft was being fueled.

Engineers suspect the leak was caused by a misaligned plate on the shuttle's external fuel tank, where it hooks up to a vent line. A pair of Teflon seals will be replaced, this time with more supple ones, and the misalignment will be corrected. A fueling test is planned for next Wednesday to make sure that the repairs are successful.

If all goes well, NASA hopes to launch Endeavour to the international space station on July 11th. The shuttle and a crew of seven will deliver the final segment of a Japanese lab.

[Associated Press; By MARCIA DUNN]

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