With Space Shuttle Leaking, Next Launch Could Be Canceled

The crew of space shuttle Discovery, from left, mission specialists Nicole Stott, Michael Barratt, Tim Kopra and Alvin Drew, pilot Eric Boe and commander Steve Lindsey, leave the Operations and Checkout Building to board the shuttle at pad 39A for a launch dress rehearsal at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, Oct. 15, 2010. Discovery is scheduled to launch Nov. 1. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida – Space shuttle Discovery is leaking on the launch pad.

If it isn't fixed soon, the small fuel leak could delay Discovery's planned launch on Nov. 1. The flight to the International Space Station will be Discovery's last.

Shuttle engineers met Monday afternoon to put together a repair plan. Later this week, technicians will tighten the bolts on the leaking fuel line. If that doesn't help, they may have to replace four seals or even part of the line.

Last week, NASA replaced a cap in the system, but it did not stop the leak.

The rocket fuel is used to maneuver the shuttle while it's in orbit.