">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
NASA to make sixth attempt for space shuttle launch
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
NASA to make sixth attempt for space shuttle launch
AFP - Thursday, July 16
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (AFP) - - NASA is poised to try to get the Endeavour space shuttle off the ground and into orbit on Wednesday, after bad weather and technical trouble blighted five previous launch attempts.
ADVERTISEMENT
Fueling of Endeavour's massive external fuel tank, which began at 8:38 am (1238 GMT), showed no early signs of problems, but experts noted that the same rainy weather systems that hampered prior attempts continue to linger in the area.
"The weather is looking better but I am being a little bit optimistic -- it's about the same as we had over the last couple of days," said launch integration manager Mike Moses.
The shuttle is scheduled for a 6:03 pm (2203 GMT) lift-off, carrying seven crew members to the orbiting International Space Station (ISS) where they are to complete the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory.
Endeavour's launch has been cancelled three times since Saturday due to inclement weather. Two earlier attempts were aborted after potentially hazardous fuel leaks were discovered, apparently caused by a misaligned plate linking a hydrogen gas vent line with the external fuel tank.
In the summer, Florida weather is often unstable in the afternoon, with violent storms and heavy rains that can prevent launches.
The previous lightning storms and fuel tank problems left the cash-strapped US space agency footing 4.5 million dollars in extra costs attached to the scrapped launch attempts, as officials kept their fingers crossed that they would finally have a success.
"The cost of a scrub is approximately one million dollars," said spokesman Allard Beutel at NASA's Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Along with the cost of filling, draining and then refilling the external tank so many times with specialized liquid hydrogen and oxygen fuel, expenses also sky-rocketed due to overtime pay for NASA employees and other workers at the space centers here.
But Beutel said the added costs were "marginal" in NASA's overall operating budget. The agency says Endeavour alone, built to replace the shuttle Challenger, cost some 1.7 billion dollars.
Endeavour was originally scheduled to launch June 13 but a liquid hydrogen leak twice postponed it last month.
In addition to the potential Wednesday blast-off, a launch was also being considered for Thursday, the last possible date before interfering with the July 24 lift-off of the Russian cargo craft Progress to the ISS, Moses said.
A Thursday launch date would force NASA to abandon one of five space-walks planned for Endeavour's mission.
If the shuttle does not take off on Wednesday or Thursday, the next launch window would begin on July 26.
Endeavour's crew of six Americans and one Canadian is scheduled to install a platform on the ISS for astronauts to conduct experiments in the vacuum of space, 350 kilometers (220 miles) above Earth's surface.
The ISS should be completed in 2010, also the target date for the retirement of the US fleet of three space shuttles.
The crew of the Endeavour mission includes Canadian Julie Payette, an electrical and information engineer who has been in space before and is the only woman on board.
Two other members of the crew, including Polansky, have previously traveled in space, while four of the astronauts will be on their maiden space voyage.
American aerospace engineer Tim Kopra, 46, will replace Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata, spending several months aboard the orbiting space station.
He would be the latest addition to the permanent crew of the ISS, which is a joint collaboration between 16 different countries.
The US space agency has been extra cautious about conditions for the exit and return of space shuttle missions since the Columbia blew apart some 20,000 meters (65,500 feet) above the Earth in 2003 as it was returning from a 16-day space mission to land in Florida.
A chunk of insulation that broke off from the shuttle's external fuel tank during takeoff had gouged Columbia's left wing heat shield, allowing superheated gases to melt the shuttle's internal structure, leading to its explosion and the death of its seven astronauts.
The Columbia tragedy was the second shuttle accident since the program was launched in 1981. On January 28, 1986 the Challenger shuttle blew up 73 seconds after lift-off, also killing seven astronauts on board.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
Sotomayor declines to talk about abortion viewsAP - Thursday, July 16
Politics, family intertwined for women politiciansAP - Wednesday, July 15
Democrat claims US House seat in Calif.AP - Wednesday, July 15
Ohio executes trucker who went on killing spreeAP - Wednesday, July 15
IMF: West Bank economy can grow if Israel eases upAP - Wednesday, July 15
Enlarge Photo
The seven astronauts taking part in the space shuttle mission to the International Space Station wave to photographers at the Kennedy Space Center on July 12.
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Jackson wasn't ready for London comeback: father
Bangladesh crackdown on 'kings of genies'
Jackson 'best father' ever, daughter tells the world
Miniskirts, cleavage upset male SKoreans: survey
Coroners seek records from Jackson skin doctor
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Thursday, 16 July 2009 168 people killed in Iran fiery plane crash
Top Russian activist murdered in Caucasus
Brazilians spend more time on web than US users: poll
UK jobless rate strikes 12-year high
British army chief calls for troop rise in Afghanistan
Robert Redford marries in Germany: report
Twitter 'uncool', teen researcher tells investors
L.A. Blogger Sentenced To Home Confinement For Leaking GNR Album Online
Israel soldiers reveal 'shoot first' policy in Gaza
North Korea says no dialogue without respect for sovereignty
| International
|
Israel says Lebanon blast a secret Hezbollah cache
| International
|
UN quits rebel Georgian region as mission ends
Gadhafi says Iran nuclear program to be supported
Elizabeth Taylor Hospitalized
Top Russia activist killed in Caucasus: officials
168 killed in Iran plane crash
Abducted Russian activist found dead: reports
Reports: Michael Jackson's Death Being Treated As A Homicide
Bomb in Iraq's Sadr City kills 5, wounds 28
| International
|
Black Eyed Peas, Hannah Montana Top iTunes Chart
Suicide bomber kills 6 in Iraq's Anbar province
Oldest woman to give birth dies in Spain: report
New York City's Central Park Launches Celebrity-Infused Audio Guide
Iran opposition leader plans new political front
Sudan: Progress on southern peace satisfactory
| International
|
Iceland's parliament aims for late vote on EU bid
| International
|
Apple Sells Over 1.5 Billion Apps In First Year
French kidnapped for cash not politics: Somali minister
Billy Bob Thornton's Daughter To Remain In Jail Until Court Hearing
Writer Claims "Lost" Was Ripped Off From His Work
L'Oreal heiress faces court scrutiny of huge gifts
| International
|
Jackson Told Daughter That Someone Was Going To Murder Him, Claims Author
Maura Tierney Releases Statement On Health Troubles
Amazon sued over Kindle, claim alleges breakage
| Technology
|
Website to publish sensitive hacked Twitter info
| Technology
|
Senator Ricky Ricardo? Coburn evokes Lucy show
Microsoft's Bing gains on Yahoo, Google
| Technology
|
NASA to make sixth attempt for space shuttle launch
Recession sends Americans to the Internet
| Technology
|
THE INFLUENCE GAME: NFL players lobby Capitol Hill
Taiwan air force grounds F-5 fleet after fatal crash
Obama, Iraqi prime minister to meet next week
Religion news in brief
Powerful quake hits off NZealand, tsunami warning over
Indian, Pakistani officials hold talks
AT&T in initial labor pact for Midwest
| Technology
|
Sotomayor refers to precedent on abortion
Ex-Sinopec chief given suspended death penalty
Sotomayor: Judges shouldn't worry about popularity
China's Xinjiang death toll rises to 192: state media
Penalty phase opens in Phoenix Serial Shooter case
India tightens security in Mumbai
Trade ties 'at stake' in China spy row: Australia
Suspected insurgents kill 2 in southern Thailand
Chinese car makers surge on govt subsidy scheme
Pakistan's 6-mth T-bill yield falls to 11.5151 pct
US, China announce clean energy research center
Filipinos overseas sent record $1.48B home in May
Oldest Honda plant shifts to meeting green demand
Harry Potter works box office magic at midnight
| Entertainment
|
US calls on China to open markets
Judge throws out Trump lawsuit over his net worth
| Entertainment
|
LG Display to invest $2.6 bln for flat screens
Moby, MTV join EU climate change battle
| Entertainment
|
China forex reserves hit record $2.13 trln: bank
2 police wounded in new attack near Indonesia mine
A list of shootings at Freeport's Indonesian mine
Rivalries could be behind Indonesia mine killings
China accused of trying to stop Uighur film in Australia
Cyprus tourist arrivals dive amid recession
Nightime showing of Harry Potter film 'unsafe' in China's Urumqi
Security suspected in Indonesia gold mine killings
'Morally dangerous' Bruno banned in Ukraine
'Birthday Sex' singer Jeremih sees Diddy success
Robert Redford marries German girlfriend
Oasis to kick off Benicassim festival in Spain
Top cable programs for July 6-12
Latest Harry Potter film wins Vatican approval
EU teams up with MTV on climate change
Israel anti-missile system passes live fire test
Germany, Russia talks: gas, economy to dominate
Recession driving Americans online
Black boxes recovered from crashed Iranian plane
| International
|
Fed sees end to recession, eyes exit strategy
U.N., U.S. move to increase pressure on North Korea
| International
|
Iranian plane crashes into field, killing all 168
Space shuttle Endeavour blasts off
Porsche denies report of CEO stepping down
Israel says Lebanon blast a secret Hezbollah cache
U.S. raises fair treatment in China after Rio case
| International
|
India, Pakistan PMs to meet, Mumbai attacks cloud talks
| International
|
U.S. says offer to talk with Iran is not open-ended
Pressure builds on Japan PM; calls to quit may grow
| International
|
Bombs kill 11 in Iraq, highlight security fears
Former S.Korean Pres. Kim Dae-jung critically ill: media
| International
|
Mousavi: Protesters' blood will not go in vain
List of plane crashes in Iran
U.S. commander consults Pakistan on anti-Taliban campaign
| International
|
Australia's worst case scenario 6,000 H1N1 deaths
| International
|
Bomb in Iraq's Sadr City kills five
UN says south Lebanon weapons cache a violation
Honduras reimposes curfew amid protest threat
| International
|
'Difficult choices' ahead on Iran: Swedish FM
Smoke like a Turk? No more
| International
|
Historic court pick Sotomayor faces final grilling
Obama's Supreme Court pick treads careful line
Pressure mounts on Japan PM to resign
Microsoft stores to open near Apple stores in fall
| Technology
|
US commission seeks China Xinjiang sanctions
Police: 'Fight Club' inspired NYC Starbucks blast
U.N. and U.S. move to increase pressure on N.Korea
Strong 6.1-magnitude quake hits off Papua New Guinea: USGS
Sotomayor sidesteps on abortion, guns in grilling
Government PR campaign targets Chinese Muslims
Sotomayor hearing: Testing, testing ... hello?
Puppy love blooms on India dog dating websites
| Technology
|
Many can cope with news of higher Alzheimer's risk
Pakistan sees momentum in ties with India
Recession sends Americans to the Internet
| Technology
|
House plan boosts taxes on rich to 20-year high
July is deadliest for US-led forces in Afghanistan
Indonesian mine attacked again, road closed
14 killed in clashes in Swat as refugees return
China's economy bounces back with strong growth
N.Korea says no dialogue without respect for sovereignty
SKorea's POSCO mulls Vietnam steel mill takeover
Taiwan dollar at near 2-week high on risk appetite
China economy grows in first half: govt
S.Korean bonds plunge on U.S. lead
Seoul shares open up on earnings hopes, U.S. data
NZ manufacturing improves in June
Japan may face deflation through 2011: IMF
Abu Dhabi awards $9.2 bln gas contracts to foreign firms
Chinese workers in Poland protest over unpaid wages
Porridge, pasta help Tour cyclists beat 'bonks'
Doctors probed by state in Michael Jackson's death
| Entertainment
|
US writer publishing novel a 'tweet' at a time
Michael Jackson rules pop charts for 3rd week
| Entertainment
|
Sotomayor, Franken both 'Perry Mason' fans
All-Star Game scores ratings home run
| Entertainment
|
Dave Chappelle show draws thousands in Oregon
Q&A: Entourage creator changes show's focus
| Entertainment
|
Court: O'Keeffe museum has no right to Fisk U. art
Redford weds German girlfriend in private ceremony
| Entertainment
|
Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss to play White House
Maxwell ends recording hiatus with No. 1 album
| Entertainment
|
Reggaeton stars donate $25,000 to building homes
Lucas, Spielberg richest of Hollywood rich men
| Entertainment
|
Review: `Death in Love' is deadly to watch
Labor Pains pays off thanks to Lohan, Hines
| Entertainment
|
Vatican Museums to test evening opening
Cox to sell Travel Channel: sources
| Entertainment
|
Bavaria opens way for a beer and a smoke
Technical glitch likely cause of plane crash: Iran
British bank Lloyds slashes 1,200 more jobs: union
Bollywood tweets, blogs for the fans
Khmer Rouge trial hears harrowing tribunal testimony
| International
|
'Contact lenses' for animals
Iran's Mousavi to attend Friday prayers
Chechnya activist's murder sparks international outrage
| International
|
UK's Brown calls on Afghan army to pull its weight
| International
|
Orthodox Jews trash streets over state interference
| International
|
Nepal to free child soldiers from Maoist camps
| International
|
Iran opposition leader to attend Friday prayers
| International
|
U.S. Capitol police say suspect killed near Capitol
Loving pooch nurses baby pandas in China: report
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 664
Japanese living longer than ever: govt
Refusing bailout for CIT, gov't draws line in sand
China hits back on Rio Tinto 'spy' affair
Army: Soldiers in slayings faced intense combat
Bill would spend more to make college affordable
China warns Australia over Rio Tinto 'spy' case
Jury recommends life sentence in 'Alpha Dog' case
UN official killed in NW Pakistan: officials
Fire engulfs historic textile mill in Maine
India, Pakistan resolve to fight 'terror'
Senator holds up EPA nominee over climate study
'Back from dead' Briton's dad quashes hoax claims
3 killed in small plane crash in Southern Calif.
Microsoft stores to open near Apple stores in fall
| Technology
|
Clinton aims to deepen partnership with India
Trial begins for mother accused of killing 4 girls
Thai 'Yellow Shirts' protest terror charges: police
Pakistan's forex reserves fall to $12.24 bln
S.Korea LG Chem considers Daesan cracker expansion
China's economy grows 7.9% in stunning rebound
India's fraud-hit Satyam to restate accounts
Fitch cuts New Zealand rating outlook; kiwi tumbles
SKorean firms win lucrative orders in UAE
New video shows Jackson's head catching fire
India silent on Myanmar, eyes natural wealth
Museum battles to preserve moon suits for posterity
Seoul shares end higher led by techs, shipbuilders =2
30 Rock, Mad Men lead Emmy nominations
| Entertainment
|
Iraqi 'rap royalty' takes to the Baghdad stage
Singer Amy Winehouse and husband divorce
| Entertainment
|
Young authors tap adolescent angst in China
Harry Potter actor admits growing cannabis
| Entertainment
|
Top US officials to meet China PM on climate
French cheese comes to the Himalayas
Gentler `Bruno' to play in UK for younger teens
BBC's `Torchwood' returns with 5-part miniseries
Emmys boost nominees' field; who's the winner?
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights