NASA scales back 2007 space launches

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2007

WASHINGTON (AFP) — NASA said on Monday it plans to launch four space shuttle missions this year instead of five, due to the delay caused after hail damage sustained by the shuttle Atlantis in February.

"The space shuttle and International Space Station programs agreed to the changes during a meeting to evaluate options following the (Atlantis) mission's delay, which was caused by hail damage to the external fuel tank," it said.

Atlantis is now to launch by June 8 at the earliest. It is to be the first mission this year, and after its initially scheduled launch was delayed from March 15.

The next launch, of the Endeavour, is planned for August 9 or shortly thereafter. Following that is to be the Discovery, to launch by October 20 at the earliest.

The...