Science

Discovery launch delayed by gas leak

The scheduled final launch of space shuttle Discovery has been put off following the discovery of a gas leak.

The final launch of space shuttle Discovery has been put off following the discovery of a gas leak.

NASA was unable to plug the small helium gas leak and postponed the launch for a day. It has been rescheduled for Tuesday afternoon, the same day the United States will be holding midterm elections.

NASA test director Jeff Spaulding told The Associated Press if the latest repairs go well, the agency will press ahead with a Tuesday launch.

This launch will be the 39th and last lift off for Discovery and officials are expecting more launch spectators than usual.

With files from The Associated Press