Shuttle launch delayed
Shuttle launch delayed
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Thunderstorms forced NASA to call off the launch of space shuttle Discovery on Saturday, a flight already tense over worries that foam could fall from the external fuel tank and endanger the mission.
Another attempt at what would be the first shuttle launch in a year was planned for today, although bad weather was forecast to continue through the Independence Day weekend.
Storm clouds moved in and out of the launch zone throughout the morning and early afternoon, posing lightning threats. As the countdown held at the nine-minute mark, it became clear the weather would not improve, and launch director Mike Leinbach announced a 24-hour delay.
The seven astronauts aboard the fueled spaceship immediately halted their launch procedures. ‘‘It wasn’t our time today,’’ shuttle commander Steven Lindsey radioed from the cockpit. ‘‘We’ll launch when we’re ready and, hopefully, tomorrow will look better.’’
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