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Thursday, 4 April, 2002, 15:41 GMT 16:41 UK
Fuel leak delays shuttle launch
Nasa multipurpose transporter, Nasa
This cart will run along the backbone of the ISS
A fuel leak has caused Nasa to delay the launch of space shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station (ISS) by at least two days.

Michael Bloomfield in training, Nasa
Commander Michael Bloomfield leads the 13th shuttle mission to the ISS
Nasa spokesman Bill Johnson said that fuelling of the shuttle had been halted due to a leak in liquid hydrogen lines on the ground.

It was not immediately clear when the launch would now take place, he said, but Sunday might be the earliest it could happen.

The shuttle had been due to leave Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2212 GMT (1712 local time) on Thursday and dock with the ISS on Saturday.

When it does launch, the orbiter's crew will fit the first part of the backbone of the station and carry out scientific experiments including one to grow wheat in orbit.

Backbone mission

Atlantis will be powered on the flight by a new set of shuttle engines, built without welds in the turbo-pumps to improve safety and reliability.

The crew of seven will spend 12 days aloft, working with the three members of the ISS crew to extend the orbiting platform.

The main component they are carrying into orbit is a 12-tonne girder called Truss S0, which will form the first section of the backbone of the station.

They are also carrying a cart that will run along rails on the backbone and allow the station's robotic arm to move across the platform.

The shuttle will also carry several scientific experiments, including one to grow wheat and mustard family plants in space.

This is part of a long-term programme to develop potential life support technologies for long space missions.

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 ON THIS STORY
The BBC's Angus Crawford
"Officials say there was never any danger to the shuttle"
See also:

19 Mar 02 | Sci/Tech
Nasa to keep launch times secret
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