Nasa has confirmed 25 August 2009 as the launch date for the Discovery shuttle after completing the flight readiness review for lift-off to the International Space Station.

Discovery will deliver science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment, an air purification system and a treadmill on its 13-day STS-128 mission to the ISS.

The two-day review assessed the mission risks and determined the shuttle’s equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for launch except for the resolution of one issue.

An orbiter power controller that failed to operate properly has been replaced and an analysis has been carried out. The issue will be closed with presentation of the final data from the analysis at the mission management team meeting on 23 August 2009.

The readiness review included a detailed examination of the shuttle for foam loss and has been assessed to be ready for flight.