Electrical glitch delays shuttle launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The final launch of space shuttle Discovery has been delayed again, this time because of an electrical problem.
NASA decided early last evening to bump the liftoff until at least Thursday. The decision came less than 24 hours before the scheduled launch today.
The space agency has until Sunday, and possibly as late as Monday, to send Discovery to the International Space Station. Otherwise, it will have to wait until December because of sun angles.
Gas leaks had already forced a two-day postponement for Discovery's last trip into orbit. The weather may keep Discovery grounded even longer. Forecasters said there is a 70 percent chance that rain and perhaps even thunderstorms will stall what's officially NASA's next-to-last shuttle flight.
The electrical problem cropped up aboard Discovery early yesterday. A backup controller for one of the shuttle's three main engines was sluggish, but engineers got it working. Voltage irregularities then were noted. Mission managers said they need more time to figure out what's wrong, and put the countdown on hold.
Each of the main shuttle engines has both a primary and backup computerized controller that serve as electronic brains. They are critical parts that must work perfectly before going ahead with a launch. - AP
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
