Discovery set for Aug. 25 launch

NASA has cleared the shuttle Discovery to launch next Tuesday after the spacecraft's fuel tank passed an inspection.

The announcement comes after a two-day review of the shuttle's external fuel tank, which, had NASA discovered any serious problems, would have pushed the launch to October.

The U.S. space agency took a close look at the fuel tank after an unusual amount of foam insulation fell off during the space shuttle Endeavour's launch last month.

The seven-person crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space stationduringthe 13-day mission.

Included in the equipment making the trip into orbit is a treadmill named for comedian Stephen Colbert.

Earlier in the year, Colbert encouraged viewers of his program The Colbert Report to vote in an online contest to name a future space station room after him. Colbert won the contest but NASA instead chose to name the piece of exercise equipment after him.

The only outstanding issue for the shuttle is a failed power controller that had to be replaced over the weekend. That will be addressed during a final review on Sunday.

Liftofffrom Cape Canaveral, Fla. is scheduled for 1:36 a.m. ET Tuesday.