spacetoday.net: Valve replacement to delay shuttle launch until Wednesday

Updated: Sun, Jun 2, 2002, 7:35 PM ET (2335 GMT)
Originally Posted: Sat, Jun 1, 2002, 3:30 PM ET (1930 GMT)
STS-111 patch (NASA)

The launch of the shuttle Endeavour will be delayed until Wednesday to replace a faulty valve with the orbiter's propulsion system, NASA announced this weekend. Shuttle managers decided to replace a leaking nitrogen valve in the port side Orbital Maneuvering System pod. It is the same valve that engineers noticed a problem with during Thursday's countdown, but eventually cleared for flight; that launch attempt was eventually scrubbed by weather. NASA had hoped to complete the repairs in time to make a launch attempt Tuesday, but decided on Sunday to wait until Wednesday because the repairs were taking longer than planned. The launch, originally scheduled for May 30, was delayed Thursday and Friday because of inclement weather.