Fergie's Tech Blog

Computer Glitch Limits Next Shuttle Launch

Irene Klotz writes for Reuters:

A computer problem could force NASA to postpone next month's launch of shuttle Discovery until 2007 to avoid having the spaceship in orbit when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve.

The shuttle is due to take off from the Kennedy Space Center in central Florida on December 7 on a 12-day mission to continue construction of the half-built International Space Station.

But if the launch is delayed for any reason beyond December 17 or 18, the flight likely would be postponed until next year, officials at the U.S. space agency said on Monday.

To build in added cushion, NASA may move up the take off to December 6.

posted by Fergie @ 11/06/2006 01:52:00 PM