Yikes!
This isn’t a good way to start things.
NASA has delayed the launch of its final space shuttle voyage. It was scheduled for liftoff at 3:47 p.m. on Friday. However, due to a malfunction connected to the spacecraft’s critical power units, Endeavor will not be lifting off until further notice.
Two of its three heater units failed Friday morning during testing, which rendered the spacecraft useless.
NASA’s spokesman says it will be a couple days before NASA plans to reschedule the launch.
He explains;
“There’s not a way to do the troubleshooting we need to do and stay in a countdown configuration. It will be at least a 48-hour scrub turnaround.”
The next chance for liftoff will be this Sunday May 1 at 2:59 p.m.
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords made the trip to Kennedy Space Center to see her husband Mark Kelly lead the Endeavor crew. Hopefully her doctors will let her stay for the additional days while they prepare for the launch.
It’s a shame that the shuttle’s final voyage had to begin with a bump in the road, but thankfully the malfunction was caught before liftoff.
[Image via WENN.]