News that the twice-delayed launch of the space shuttle Endeavour was set for a weekend liftoff have been dampened by a prediction of stormy weather.
Img: Endeavour on launch pad. Credit: NASA
Forecasters are predicting thunderstorms within twenty miles of Kennedy Space Centre, close enough to force yet another postponement.
The space shuttle mission to the International Space Station has already suffered two delays due to a faulty fuel system. The shuttle's record 16-day mission will deliver the final piece of the massive Japanese-built Kibo space laboratory to the ISS.
Five spacewalks are planned for the STS-127 mission.
“We’re all eager to get Endeavour and her crew on their way to the International Space Station,” said Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA test director. “Endeavour’s in great shape. Our launch countdown preparations are going well.”
However Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters said the weather conditions could force another postponement.
“What I expect is that we’ll go ‘red’ during the countdown, and then we’ll possibly get back to ‘green’ as the storms migrate off to the west,” she said though said an improvement in conditions was expected Sunday or Monday.
NASA officials have indicated they will attempt three launches over the weekend and through to Tuesday if Saturday is postponed.
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