NASA has pushed back today's launch of the Atlantis space shuttle, citing concerns with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank.
With launch originally slated for this afternoon at 4 PM Eastern, the space agency halted the countdown mid-morning after two sensors failed a pre-launch check. The safety systems protect the engines by triggering a shut-down if fuel runs unexpectedly low.
Following customary procedure, the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen tanks will be drained, in hopes of meeting a second liftoff opportunity on Friday afternoon.
A press conference will be held later this afternoon to discuss further plans.
NASA Postpones Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch; Aims for Friday [NASA]
(Image: Atlantis on the launch pad. Credit: ESA)
