TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

NASA Hopes To Beat Approaching Storms

ADVERTISEMENT

By KURT LOFT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 7, 2008

CAPE CANAVERAL - Scattered clouds and sunshine are adding a bit of promise for today's planned 2:45 p.m. liftoff of Atlantis, although NASA is bracing for a front of bad weather to arrive before then.

Still, the countdown continues, and seven astronausts are busy checking systems onboard the craft. With any luck, they can beat the approaching weather front and blast off on the year's first shuttle mission, one that will deliver a 10-ton, $5 billion science section to the International Space Station. If Mother Nature doesn't cooperate, the astronauts will try again about 2:20 p.m. Friday.

After arriving at the pad, the astronauts rode an elevator to the White Room on the 195-foot level, where each was assisted with putting on his space suit. The crew then will strap in and await the final countdown, hoping they can lift off inside the short, 10-minute launch window.

NASA gives only a 40 percent chance of getting off the ground today, making safety the priority. Cloud cover is a violation of launch rules because it restricts visibility in the event of an emergency landing. Thunderstorms must be no closer than 11 miles, a rule to prevent possible lightning strikes.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT