Last-minute problems for shuttle launch

Before the US space shuttle Discovery can embark on a mission to rewire the international space station, Nasa engineers have to resolve two late technical worries – a brief power surge and potential problems with a glue that helps seal rocket boosters.

Engineers will spend much of today trying to decide whether the two problems are minor or major. It’s too early to tell if these will postpone Discovery’s lift-off, scheduled for 9.35pm local time tomorrow (2.35am Irish Time Friday), said launch integration manager LeRoy Cain.