OK, it’s all my fault. I jinxed it. I posted that we “will” be launching. If I had written that we are “scheduled” to launch, Atlantis would by on orbit by now! - TonyF
A fuel-sensor problem caused mission managers to postpone launching Atlantis today. NASA reports:
Atlantis Launch Postponed
Image above: Space shuttle Atlantis stands on Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA TVDec. 6, 10:30 a.m. EST: During tanking, two of four LH2 Engine Cutoff (ECO) sensors failed to respond appropriately, which is a Launch Commit Violation. The requirement to proceed calls for 3 of 4. The launch was scrubbed at 9:56 a.m. EST on the recommendation of Launch Director Doug Lyons.
Mission Management Team Chairman LeRoy Cain concurred following a short briefing on the issue. The ice inspection team will proceed with an abbreviated vehicle inspection prior to offloading the LO2 and LH2 and recycle for a launch attempt tomorrow, at 4:09 p.m.
A press briefing is tentatively scheduled for 4 p.m. An update is forthcoming on NASA TV.
Preflight pics and video are up at the JSC Gallery. Today’s photos here. Discussion here. News Resources here. Check the links at right for play-by-play and NASA TV.
