Managers Evaluating Lightning Strikes at Launch Pad

Engineers are evaluating five lightning strikes that occurred yesterday afternoon within five miles of Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Preliminary sensor readings indicate there has been no damage to the pad or to space shuttle Discovery. Engineers will meet this afternoon to evaluate data.

NASA forecasters say Tropical Depression 16 is expected to pass offshore early Thursday morning bringing heavy rain and wind to Kennedy today. TD 16 isn't expected to have a severe affect on the center. The center remains open and Discovery will remain on its launch pad.

Technicians continue leak checks today of the quick disconnects on Discovery's auxiliary power units.

STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe will fly shuttle training aircraft runs around the White Sands Space Harbor, N.M. while their crewmates review procedures for the two spacewalks during the mission at NASA's Johnson Space Center.