sjb (11/09/82)
Despite yesterday's problem, NASA is confident that the Columbia will launch on time on Thursday. The trouble, a small leak in a helium tank in one of the steering jet regulators, was termed small enough to allow the system to be used during ascent. The faulty unit was turned off and a backup unit activated. Engineers were evaluating the situation last night, and NASA will make a decision today whether to go ahead with the launch or replace the unit, which would cause a delay of several weeks, as the shuttle would have to be moved back to its hangar.