Storm delays final launch of space shuttle

CAPE CANAVERAL - Nasa will try this morning to launch space shuttle Discovery on its final voyage, although storms could force yet another delay.

Mission managers met yesterday to discuss an electrical problem that forced the latest postponement. They concluded the circuit breaker trouble no longer existed and the shuttle was safe to fly.

But forecasters warned there was an 80 per cent chance that thunderstorms would keep Discovery on the pad.

The decision came as storm clouds rolled over the launch site in Florida.

Discovery's flight to the International Space Station was first stalled by gas leaks last week. Then a problem cropped up with a computerised controller for one of the main engines.

Nasa has until Tuesday to launch Discovery. Otherwise, it will have to wait until next month because of sun angles.

Voyages of discovery:

* 39th trip ahead

* 180 individuals carried into orbit

* 26 years of service

* 240 million km

* 5600 orbits of Earth.

- AP