Debra Rahn
Headquarters, Washington, DC                     January 17, 1996
(Phone:  281/483-5111)

Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center, FL
(Phone:  407/867-2468)


RELEASE:  97-13

MOBILE LAUNCHER PLATFORM 
DEVELOPS CRACK DURING STS-82 ROLLOUT 

    Rollout of the Space Shuttle Discovery has resumed following 
evaluation of a 24-foot long crack on the Mobile Launch Platform 
(MLP).  Structural engineers have determined the integrity of the 
MLP has not been compromised. Discovery's trip to the launch pad 
resumed shortly after noon, EST.

    Rollout of Discovery began shortly after 7 a.m. EST from the 
Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center, FL.  
Rollout was stopped at approximately 8:25 a.m. EST after engineers 
heard a "loud bang" and noticed that a crack had developed on the 
MLP.  The "Y"-shaped crack is on the surface of the MLP and runs 
from near the left hand SRB flame hole toward the near corner of 
the MLP.

    Discovery is scheduled for launch on mission STS-82 on Feb. 
11. 

                              - end -