Countdown begins for STS-122 launch
Posted: Tue, Feb 5, 2008, 3:57 AM ET (0857 GMT)
NASA started the countdown late Monday for the launch of the space shuttle Atlantis on a long-delayed mission to the ISS, although weather could further delay the launch. Countdown clocks started at 5 pm EST (2200 GMT) Monday for the launch of mission STS-122, scheduled for Thursday at 2:45 pm EST (1945 GMT). While officials are not reporting any technical issues that could delay the launch, weather is a concern, with a 60% chance of clouds, rain, and lightning that could delay the launch. STS-122 was scheduled to launch in December, but two launch attempts were scrubbed by erroneous readings from fuel sensors in the shuttle's external tank; the problem was eventually traced to faulty connectors that were replaced. Atlantis is carrying the European lab module Columbus, the next major component to be added to the space station.
NASA started the countdown late Monday for the launch of the space shuttle Atlantis on a long-delayed mission to the ISS, although weather could further delay the launch. Countdown clocks started at 5 pm EST (2200 GMT) Monday for the launch of mission STS-122, scheduled for Thursday at 2:45 pm EST (1945 GMT). While officials are not reporting any technical issues that could delay the launch, weather is a concern, with a 60% chance of clouds, rain, and lightning that could delay the launch. STS-122 was scheduled to launch in December, but two launch attempts were scrubbed by erroneous readings from fuel sensors in the shuttle's external tank; the problem was eventually traced to faulty connectors that were replaced. Atlantis is carrying the European lab module Columbus, the next major component to be added to the space station.
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