Shuttle launch slips to June
Posted: Wed, Apr 11, 2007, 9:51 AM ET (1351 GMT)
The next space shuttle launch is now scheduled for no earlier than June 8 after shuttle managers concluded Tuesday that they need more time to complete repairs of the shuttle's external tank. The STS-117 mission was scheduled to launch in mid-March, but was delayed when the insulating foam on the external tank was damaged in a freak hailstorm while on the launch pad in late February. NASA had originally hoped to complete repairs in time to accommodate a mid-May launch, but concluded Tuesday that they need more time. However, managers decided not to swap the tank with one planned for use on the next flight, a move that might have further delayed the launch. NASA officials said that, despite the delay, they believe that can still get off four shuttle missions this year, with future launches planned in August, October, and December.
The next space shuttle launch is now scheduled for no earlier than June 8 after shuttle managers concluded Tuesday that they need more time to complete repairs of the shuttle's external tank. The STS-117 mission was scheduled to launch in mid-March, but was delayed when the insulating foam on the external tank was damaged in a freak hailstorm while on the launch pad in late February. NASA had originally hoped to complete repairs in time to accommodate a mid-May launch, but concluded Tuesday that they need more time. However, managers decided not to swap the tank with one planned for use on the next flight, a move that might have further delayed the launch. NASA officials said that, despite the delay, they believe that can still get off four shuttle missions this year, with future launches planned in August, October, and December.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Sunday, July 26
Arianespace to launch weather satellite MTG-I2 on Ariane 6's first mission to geostationary orbit on August 27, 2026
Arianespace — 8:26 am ET (1226 GMT) How stars die: Astronomers detect magnetic fingerprint of a cosmic explosion for the first time
Univ. of Arizona — 8:25 am ET (1225 GMT) Voyager Wins Contract with Sandia National Laboratories
Voyager Space — 8:24 am ET (1224 GMT) Emergency Injunction Sought to Protect Texas Wildlife Refuge From SpaceX
Center for Biological Diversity — 8:23 am ET (1223 GMT) QuantX Labs Announces Successful In-Orbit Commissioning of World's First Optical Frequency Comb
QuantX — 8:22 am ET (1222 GMT) |
