UPDATE: CNN reports that the launch of Discovery will go ahead as scheduled Wednesday after technicians replaced two protective tiles damaged near the spacecraft's tail.
ORIGINAL POST
Florida's WBBH NBC2 reports that the return to flight of Discovery scheduled for Wednesday may be delayed. A window cover fell off the shuttle and fell 60 feet, damaging the shuttle. Engineers will assess the damage and decide whether or not to delay the launch.
Space.com reports that NASA confirmed reports that a window cover fell from the orbiter and stuck its left OMS pod:
Discovery vehicle manager Stephanie Stilson said the plastic window cover on one of the shuttle’s two overhead windows separated from the orbiter and struck the leading edge of its left Orbital Maneuver System (OMS) pod. The pod houses one of two engines used by shuttles to maneuver in orbit. Damage to a carrier panel on the pod has been reported, and a spare has been delivered to the pad engineers.
Engineers are working to repair the damage.
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