spacetoday.net: Fuel sensor glitch scrubs shuttle launch

Posted: Wed, Jul 13, 2005, 6:20 PM ET (2220 GMT)
STS-114: logo (NASA)

A problem with a fuel sensor on the shuttle's external tank, similar to one NASA encountered earlier this year, forced shuttle managers to delay Wednesday's scheduled launch of the shuttle for at least several days. Officials said one of four sensors used to measure the flow of liquid hydrogen and cut off the engine when the flow reaches a low level was malfunctioning. All four sensors must be working for the shuttle to be cleared for launch. The problem is similar to one experienced during a tanking test on the pad in April; NASA delayed the launch of Discovery from May to July and rolled the shuttle back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to replace the external tank. Shuttle managers said late Wednesday afternoon that under the most optimistic scenario, the next launch attempt could take place Saturday afternoon, although NASA administrator Michael Griffin had said earlier no launch attempt would be made before Monday. The current STS-114 launch window extends through the end of the month; the next one opens in September.