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Last night, while venting shuttle Discovery’s aft fuel propellant tanks in preparation for fuel loading, the Right Reaction Control System (RRCS) fuel helium tank pressure unexpectedly decreased in unison with the RRCS fuel propellant tank. 

Troubleshooting overnight revealed at least one helium isolation valve that is leaking or is remaining in the open position when it is expected to be closed.

Following a review meeting this morning, engineers have decided to complete Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) Reaction Control System fuel loading, Solid Rocket Booster Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) tilt system and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) hydrazine loads this weekend.

Engineers will meet again Monday morning to discuss options.

Currently, Rotating Service Structure (RSS) rotation will be delayed to no earlier than Tuesday, March 16; and payload delivery to the pad will be delayed to no earlier than Wednesday, March 17. 

Launch still is targeted for April 5.

The 30th Launch Group here is currently training a team to compete in the 2010 Guardian Challenge taking place here April 21 - 22.

Guardian Challenge is an Air Force Space Command competition, held every other year between March and May, featuring teams from 10 AFSPC wings.

"The 30th LCG team will respond to local emergencies and vehicle (rocket) problems during a simulated countdown to launch," said 2nd Lt. Edward Schneider, a 4th Space Launch Squadron launch vehicle engineer. "Our job is to assess the issues and devise solutions that will enable the launch to proceed."
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The lead Gunslinger to represent the 67th Network Warfare Wing in the showdown with all of Air Force Space Command will be selected in a commander's call March 19, as the wing prepares for its inaugural performance in the Space Command Guardian Challenge competition.

This is the first year the 67th NWW will be competing in the Guardian Challenge, having been an Air Combat Command asset prior to the stand up of 24th Air Force under Space Command in the Fall of 2009.

The 67th NWW gunslingers will be honing their skills in network warfare operations, earning points to battle with the other wings of Space Command and earn a trip to Peterson AFB, Colo., to earn recognition from the major command leadership and their fellow cyberspace and space Airmen.
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Name: Capt. Corey Trusty

Hometown: Norfolk, Va.

What is your primary role in Guardian Challenge?
Range Operations Commander. I am charged with leading and supporting the team.

What are you looking to gain from Guardian Challenge?
I am looking to gain an even better understanding of the mission and how we operate as a total integrated force.

Why is the 45th Space Wing going to win again?
Because we have many great and dedicated competitors, instructors and evaluators! We know how to work well as a team. We work well together and we have the drive to succeed!
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At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians at Launch Pad 39A will work today and throughout the weekend to finish loading space shuttle Discovery’s hypergolic propellants.

Meanwhile, the STS-131 astronauts continue their training at their home base in Houston. Today, they’ll get some flying time in T-38 training jets.

Discovery’s launch on the next mission to the International Space Station is targeted for April 5.

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NASA has selected L-3 Vertex Aerospace, Madison, Miss., to receive a contract for Aircraft and Airfield Related Services at NASA’s Ames Research Center.

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NASA has selected Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc. of Gainesville, Fla., to provide civil and environmental design, engineering and other professional services.