Space Shuttle Launch Again Delayed By Storms

Published: Jul 02, 2006
Source: www.voanews.com



The U.S. space agency NASA has again postponed the launch of the shuttle Discovery because of stormy weather.

NASA officials said Sunday the next chance for a launch at Kennedy Space Center in Florida is Tuesday.

They announced the decision shortly after rain began falling at the launch pad where crews were filling the shuttle's fuel tanks.

Discovery's mission will be just the second shuttle flight since Columbia disintegrated on re-entry to Earth's atmosphere three years ago, killing all seven astronauts on board.

NASA has decided to go ahead with Discovery's mission despite objections by the space agency's chief safety officer and chief engineer. They say the problems that contributed to the destruction of Columbia have not been fully resolved.

In space, the astronauts on Discovery will deliver critical supplies to the International Space Station and practice inspection and repair techniques.

A German astronaut, Thomas Reiter will remain in the space station, expanding its crew to three for the first time since the Columbia accident.

NASA officials are planning another shuttle launch in August to continue construction of the space station. The shuttle fleet is scheduled to be retired in 2010.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
--- ends ---