[ Breaking News ] Shuttle launch scrapped (no link yet)

[Born_A_Truman]

MSNBC just said the launch has been scrapped due to technical problems. It may happen in 48 hours if problems with power supply is resolved.

[Born_A_Truman]

Glitch forces delay in high-profile shuttle launch
Heater failure spoils Endeavour countdown; liftoff postponed at least three days

One of the highest-profile space shuttle launches in NASA history was delayed on Friday, due to a problem with the heaters in one of Endeavour's auxiliary power units.

The countdown was called off even as the shuttle's six-man crew was heading for Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff would be delayed for at least three days, and most likely longer, while launch-pad workers looked into the problem, NASA launch director Mike Leinbach said.

The shuttle's three auxiliary power units provide hydraulic pressure to operate the control system during atmospheric flight. Although the shuttle can operate with only one of the units working, NASA's launch rules state that all three have to be functional for liftoff.

[jaxx]

I wonder if Gabby Giffords will be able to stay for the launch if it is on Sunday. That had to be a long, tiring trip for her.

[Born_A_Truman]

(04-29-2011 11:23 AM)jaxx Wrote:  I wonder if Gabby Giffords will be able to stay for the launch if it is on Sunday. That had to be a long, tiring trip for her.

I know. They mentioned she was on the launch pad with her nurse and might have to return to Houston. How stressful for everyone involved!

[Cha]

Better to scrap it now though and wait until everything is in perfect working order before launching.

Thanks for this, Pat.

[azmouse]

I'm glad they found the problem and weren't afraid to postpone the launch. With so many important people there the pressure to launch must have been great.

[Treestar]

Better postponed than taking chances.