Sensor Problems Again Cause Atlantis Delay

The objective of the mission is to install the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory.

Image above: Space shuttle Atlantis stands on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

(CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.) - One of four engine cutoff sensors (ECO) inside the liquid hydrogen section of Atlantis' external fuel tank gave a false reading while the tank was being filled.

The ECO sensors help protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low.

Atlantis was first scheduled to launch December 6^th but was delayed after two liquid hydrogen ECO sensors gave false readings.

Atlantis is now targeted to launch no earlier than Jan. 2 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The liftoff date depends on the resolution of a problem in a fuel sensor system.

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The main objective of Atlantis' 11-day mission is to install and activate the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory, which will provide scientists around the world the ability to conduct a variety of life, physical and materials science experiments.