Nasa probes shuttle 'oxygen leak'

Published: Dec 13, 2005
Source: news.bbc.co.uk



Nasa is investigating the possibility of a gaseous oxygen leak, posing a serious fire risk, during the launch of the space shuttle Discovery in July.

Experts are studying data from the test flight - the first since space shuttle Columbia broke up over Texas in 2003.

Engineers uncovered possible evidence of high concentrations of the gas in the rear engine compartment about two minutes after lift-off.

A leak could lead to a fire or even an explosion in flight.continue..