After a low-level fuel sensor failed and cancelled the launch this past Wednesday, NASA officials are remaining optimistic that a launch will still happen in July. If they do not launch before July 31st, they will not be able to launch until September of this year, at the earliest.

Four fuel sensors located within the external tank of the shuttle monitor the fuel levels to prevent serious damage to the crew or shuttle. NASA parameters require that all four of the sensors within the external tank are fully operational before a launch can commence. NASA has called in a dozen teams of engineers from around the country to help solve the issue with the sensor. Until the four sensors test as fully operational, Discovery will be grounded. In a press conference held earlier today, officials remain optimistic for a launch late this week.

NASA will be holding briefings on a regular basis to update the status of the mission. As soon as the repairs have been completed, NASA has committed to launching within four days, providing all launch conditions are met.

For more information, please visit NASA's Return to Flight website at http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight/. NASA TV will also carry all press briefings as they occur, and is available on most cable and satellite providers. For a complete schedule of NASA TV, please visit NASA TV Online at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/. You can also view live-streaming video of NASA TV from their website.