Clear Skies Forecast for Today’s Launch of Shuttle Rescue Flight
Weather forecasters were calling for clear skies today for the launch of the space shuttle Discovery, which was set to blast off at 5:38 a.m. PDT on an eight-day flight.
The highlight of the mission is an attempt scheduled for Friday to activate a dormant satellite by replacing electronic panels on it. The stranded satellite is owned by Hughes Communications Inc. of El Segundo, which paid the National Aeronautics and Space Administration about $8.5 million for the rescue attempt.
The landing is planned for Sept. 1 at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
