Shuttle Discovery's final flight off until Dec. 3

[November 19, 2010]  CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- Space shuttle Discovery will be waiting a little longer for its final flight.

NASA has put off Discovery's launch until at least Dec. 3 while it continues to make repairs.

Discovery was grounded two weeks ago by a hydrogen gas leak that cropped up during fueling. Later, cracks were found in Discovery's fuel tank, underneath a crack in the tank's foam insulation.

The shuttle will carry a crew of seven and a load of supplies to the International Space Station.

NASA is retiring the fleet and closing out its shuttle program next year after three decades. Discovery is the oldest and most traveled shuttle.

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[Associated Press]

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