Space Shuttle Discovery was initially scheduled to launch in November 2008 to complete mission STS-119 to make the International Space Station more comfortable for its growing number of residents. Four spacewalks are scheduled for the 14-day mission as the ISS crew install the final set of power-generating solar arrays. The mission also includes replacing a failed unit for a system that converts urine to potable water.

However, ongoing problems with Discovery’s hydrogen flow valves have led to a farcical series of delayed launches in February, with proposed launches on the 19th, 22nd and 27th all being delayed to allow more time to test the troubled valves.

After the fourth launch date cancellation on the 27th, there was more to-ing and fro-ing from NASA. They initially delayed the mission indefinitely, then set a launch date of NET (not earlier than) March 12, then brought this forward to March 11.

Despite Discovery now passing a Flight Readiness Review today and being officially cleared for launch on Wednesday the 11th, predictors are yet to be inspired with confidence that Discovery will actually launch, with the ‘Other’ option that encompasses a launch on the 11th March only sitting at 87%.

It is positive to see flight and astronaut safety prioritized over tight launch schedules and the pressure of finishing ISS construction before the fleet’s planned retirement in 2010, but this leaves us with a fairly uncertain prediction market - will we see lift-off in March?

When will Space Shuttle Discovery launch?

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