STS-131: Agency FRR approves April 5 following debate on several issues

The decision to call a Special PRCB (Program Requirements Control Board) meeting on Tuesday paid dividends, as several outstanding issues gained the required flight rationale – with all dissenting opinions removed – to allow for Friday’s Agency-level Flight Readiness Review (FRR) to give a “go” for STS-131 to proceed towards an April 5 launch date.
STS-131 Processing Latest:
Nominal processing is continuing at Pad 39A, as engineers complete the integration of the payload into Discovery – prior to a weekend lull in work due to the smooth flow and contingency that remains in the path towards launch.
“OV-103 / ET-135 / SRB BI-142 / RSRM 110 (Pad A): Payload electrical connections were completed Thursday. Payload Interface Verification is planned for today. Orbiter Aft Compartment closeout for flight continues. Pre door installation Aft Confidence Test began last night and continues today,” noted Friday processing information from the NASA Test Director (NTD).
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“Gas sample bottles expected at noon today. MMU load was completed yesterday. Two waves of LH2 Tankers were offloaded on Thursday. Launch Countdown preps continue. Weekend work: None planned.”
Two cracked tiles on Discovery are likely to be repaired ...