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Discovery's last launch no sooner than December

By the CNN Wire Staff
The voyage is expected to be the last for Discovery as NASA prepares to retire the shuttle fleet.
The voyage is expected to be the last for Discovery as NASA prepares to retire the shuttle fleet.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Engineers are analyzing the shuttle before its launch
  • Discovery's liftoff has been delayed several times because of weather and mechanical problems
  • The voyage is expected to be the shuttle's last

(CNN) -- Space Shuttle Discovery will launch no earlier than December 3, NASA said in a statement.

Officials and engineers will complete analysis of the shuttle over the next five days, NASA said Thursday. They are scheduled to review the results Wednesday.

Discovery's departure has been delayed several times because of bad weather, gas leaks, electrical glitches and cracks found on the shuttle's external fuel tank.

The Kennedy Space Center will begin its launch countdown no earlier than November 30, NASA said, meaning the shuttle could lift off December 3.

The voyage is expected to be the last for Discovery as NASA prepares to retire the shuttle fleet.