Discovery launch pushed to Dec. 17 or later

Discovery's final launch will not be before Dec. 17 after NASA decided more tests were needed before launching the shuttle into space for one last mission.

The decision to push the launch closer toChristmas came Wednesday after the agency reviewed repairs and engineering evaluations associated with cracks on two U-shaped aluminum brackets on theshuttle's external tank.

"The managers decided the analysis and tests required to launch Discovery safely are not complete," it said. "The work will continue through next week."

As a result, the agency rescheduled its launch status meeting to Dec. 2. It was originally planned forNov. 29.

NASA also said that if the Discovery is cleared for launch on Dec. 17, the preferred time isapproximately 8:51 p.m. ET.

The flight was grounded earlier this month after a hydrogen gas leak was initially discovered during fuelling.

The 39th and final flight of Discovery was originally due to launch on Nov. 1, but several technical delays and one weather-related delay forced NASA to push the flight back.

The shuttle will carry seven astronauts and space station supplies during its mission.