NASA Postpones Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis After Discovering Problems With Fuel Cell

SETH BORENSTEINAP Science Writer

CAPE CANAVERAL Sep 6, 2006 (AP)- NASA postponed the launch of space shuttle Atlantis by another day after discovering problems with a fuel cell early Wednesday.

Fueling the shuttle never got underway before one of three cells providing electricity malfunctioned. The space agency planned to further examine the problem and try again Thursday.

The shuttle, which is on a construction mission to the international space station, was already delayed by the Columbia shuttle accident, continued safety problems after Discovery’s flight in 2005, a lightning strike in August and the threat of Tropical Storm Ernesto.

If Atlantis doesn’t get in the air this week, the next chance probably won’t come until late October.

The shuttle was to deliver a 35,000-pound, $372 million addition to the half-built international space station during an 11-day mission. Four astronauts will take three spacewalks to resume construction on the orbiting lab, the first such work in 3 1/2 years after the Columbia disintegrated while returning to Earth.

This mission to deliver two girders crucial to the space station’s continued expansion must be done before the final 14 shuttle flights.

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That NASA… sure are on top of things!