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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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NASA Delays Shuttle Over Gas Leak

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(Newser) – NASA officials canceled today's Space Shuttle Endeavour launch after workers discovered a hydrogen gas leak during fueling, Space.com reports. If the failure is fixed soon, the seven-member crew could lift off from Cape Canaveral, Fla., as early as tomorrow morning, when near-perfect weather is expected. Discovery's STS-119 launch was delayed with a similar glitch 3 months ago, but launched successfully after repairs.

Led by veteran flyer Mark Polansky, Endeavour's crew plans to haul a Japanese-made porch to the International Space Station's huge Kibo laboratory. The long 16-day mission will also replace Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata, who has lived in the lab since March, with newbie space traveler Tom Kopra. 

The crew of space shuttle Endeavour gathers for photos after their arrival at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Tuesday, June 9, 2009.
The crew of space shuttle Endeavour gathers for photos after their arrival at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Tuesday, June 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Workers walk under the aft section of the space shuttle Endeavour Friday afternoon June 12, 2009 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.
Workers walk under the aft section of the space shuttle Endeavour Friday afternoon June 12, 2009 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.   (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
The space shuttle Endeavour sits on Launch Pad 39-A Friday afternoon June 12, 2009 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.
The space shuttle Endeavour sits on Launch Pad 39-A Friday afternoon June 12, 2009 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.   (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
The U.S. and Endeavour orbiter flags wave in the breeze in front of the space shuttle Endeavour Friday afternoon June 12, 2009 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.
The U.S. and Endeavour orbiter flags wave in the breeze in front of the space shuttle Endeavour Friday afternoon June 12, 2009 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.   (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
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Doctor_Zaius
Jun 13, 09 9:36 AM CDT
And we all know how expensive Gas is these days. Reply
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