The Shuttle might launch today

Against a dimming sky after sunset, lights on the structures on Launch Pad 39B cast a warm glow on Space Shuttle Discovery. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

The Space Shuttle is scheduled to launch this afternoon, weather permitting (currently 40% chance of a weather problem). Bigger issue now is a small thruster at the rear of the orbiter, where a temperature sensor is causing problems. If that doesn’t clear up, they can’t launch. Where’s Burt Rutan when you need him?