Launch is Off Again!

On again off again space shuttle launch now set for July 11.

Launch managers call it a scrub when they cancel a launch. The space shuttle Endeavour has been scrubbed twice now.

It's 2 a.m. and my brother Mason and I are at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, hoping to see the 5:40 a.m. shuttle launch. It was originally scheduled for Saturday, but delayed because of a gas leak.

The fuel tanks were drained and the leak worked on, but to no avail. As the space shuttle crew prepared for launch, NASA had to scrub it again. The leak was back and STS-127 has been delayed once again.

We arrived early this morning and went through two different security and bag checks. Hundreds of people are here with us and they are all disappointed. Of course, there are not nearly as many people here now as there were Saturday. Not everyone could stay for the rescheduled launch.

Here are some of the comments we heard as soon as the second delay was announced:

"You've got to be kidding!" "Now we'll never see a launch!"

According to one of the security guards we talk to, seeing a launch up close is a very special experience.

NASA TV will provide more information in about an hour we have been told. You can log on to NASA TV and watch (if you're up this late!)

A lunar orbiter scheduled for launch on Thursday should go ahead as scheduled. A new date is now set for Jully 11 at 7:39 p.m.  ET.

—Bailey Pownall

Photo: At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is bathed in light as it awaits its early-morning liftoff at Launch Pad 39A. The launch was scrubbed around 2 a.m. Image credit: NASA TV

Comments

[Scholastic Reporter Shelby]

I can relate to an experience like that. When I tried to get into a Bill Clinton event I couldn't get in because of a mix up and I was so disappointed!

[Scholastic Reporter Shelby]

Are you going to be able to still see the launch because it seems so neat! It's even neat from my house and I havn't seen the launch up close and personal.