spacetoday.net: Endeavour cleared for launch despite computer sabotage

Endeavour cleared for launch despite computer sabotage

Posted: Thu, Jul 26, 2007, 7:11 PM ET (2311 GMT)

NASA cleared the space shuttle Endeavour for launch early next month while revealing that a computer the shuttle will carry to the station was apparently sabotaged by a worker. Shuttle managers completed a two-day flight readiness review on Thursday and approved the launch of Endeavour on mission STS-118 at 7:02 pm EDT (2302 GMT) August 7. Officials also revealed Thursday afternoon that wires in a data relay box being carried to the station were cut, apparently in an act of sabotage by a worker at a contractor. The device will be repaired in time for the launch, and who caused the damage, and why, is under investigation by NASA's inspector general office.