Nasa to delay space shuttle launch

NASA plans to delay the launch of space shuttle Discovery, the first shuttle set to fly since the 2003 Columbia accident, from May until July, an official familiar with NASA's timetable said today.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the decision was made by NASA's new administrator, Michael Griffin, and would be formally announced later on Friday.

The US space agency on Thursday temporarily halted preparations for Discovery's launch while managers debated nagging concerns that debris could damage the spacecraft during liftoff.

Shuttle programme managers met at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida to talk about the likelihood of ice formations on the shuttle's fuel tank and the possible effects if they broke off during the ship's climb and hit the orbiter.

A piece of insulating foam from the tank hit the shuttle Columbia during its launch in January 2003, damaging the orbiter's wing, which broke apart as the shuttle attempted to return through the atmosphere for landing. Seven astronauts died.

NASA grounded its remaining three shuttles for extensive refurbishments, particularly to the massive external fuel tank, which holds the fuel consumed during the shuttle's 8-1/2-minute climb into orbit.

In addition to revamping how the tank's insulating foam is applied, as well as replacing some areas of suspect foam, NASA engineers have been analysing the threat of ice formations and the possibility that they could break off, as the foam on Columbia's tank did, and damage the ship.

NASA has targeted May 22 as a launch date for the first shuttle's return to flight. The next possible launch window is from July 13 to 31.

Because of new safety rules implemented after the Columbia accident, NASA has only limited opportunities to launch Discovery.

The new rules, for example, restrict the US space agency from launching at night. In addition, the release of the external fuel tank as the shuttle reaches orbit must take place when there is enough light for clear photography.

- REUTERS