Shuttle fueled for fifth launch attempt
* Launch set for 6:51 p.m. EDT (2251 GMT)
* Weather forecast: 60 percent chance of another delay
* Shuttle to deliver last piece of Japan's lab to station
By Irene Klotz
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., July 13 (Reuters) - Technicians began filling shuttle Endeavour's fuel tank on Monday for a fifth attempt to deliver a Japanese-built porch and spare parts to the International Space Station.
The mission, one of the longest and most complex NASA has attempted, has been delayed a month by fuel leaks and bad weather.
Liftoff was set for 6:51 p.m. EDT (2251 GMT) on Monday, though the weather again may be an issue. Meteorologists predicted a 60 percent chance thunderstorms and nearby rain will keep the shuttle grounded another day.
"We're going to give it a shot," said NASA spokesman Allard Beutel.
In preparation for launch, technicians began pumping more than 500,000 gallons (1.9 million litres) of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the shuttle's tank shortly before 10 a.m. (1400 GMT).
The fuel will be consumed by the shuttle's three main engines during the 8.5-minute ride to orbit.
If it rains in the hours before the launch, NASA may opt to call off the launch attempt because water could seep inside one of the shuttle's steering thrusters, possibly creating problems when it would be fired up in space to maneuver the shuttle.
The thrusters are launched with covers, but one came loose during Sunday's launch attempt.
Managers considered delaying the launch another day to replace the cover, but decided instead to proceed with the countdown and hope for good weather.
The agency has until Tuesday or Wednesday to get Endeavour into orbit before it would stand down until July 27 to allow a Russian Progress cargo ship to launch and dock at the station.
NASA has eight shuttle missions remaining to complete construction of the orbital outpost, a $100 billion project of 16 nations. Endeavour's primary cargo is a platform to hold science experiments that need to be exposed to the open environment of space. The porch is to be connected to the front of Japan's $2.4 billion Kibo complex.
The shuttle crew plans to conduct five spacewalks during their 12-day stay at the station. The astronauts also plan to replace batteries in one of the station's solar panel wings and stash spare parts needed to keep the outpost operational after the shuttle fleet is retired next year. (Editing by Mohammad Zargham)
* Weather forecast: 60 percent chance of another delay
* Shuttle to deliver last piece of Japan's lab to station
By Irene Klotz
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., July 13 (Reuters) - Technicians began filling shuttle Endeavour's fuel tank on Monday for a fifth attempt to deliver a Japanese-built porch and spare parts to the International Space Station.
The mission, one of the longest and most complex NASA has attempted, has been delayed a month by fuel leaks and bad weather.
Liftoff was set for 6:51 p.m. EDT (2251 GMT) on Monday, though the weather again may be an issue. Meteorologists predicted a 60 percent chance thunderstorms and nearby rain will keep the shuttle grounded another day.
"We're going to give it a shot," said NASA spokesman Allard Beutel.
In preparation for launch, technicians began pumping more than 500,000 gallons (1.9 million litres) of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the shuttle's tank shortly before 10 a.m. (1400 GMT).
The fuel will be consumed by the shuttle's three main engines during the 8.5-minute ride to orbit.
If it rains in the hours before the launch, NASA may opt to call off the launch attempt because water could seep inside one of the shuttle's steering thrusters, possibly creating problems when it would be fired up in space to maneuver the shuttle.
The thrusters are launched with covers, but one came loose during Sunday's launch attempt.
Managers considered delaying the launch another day to replace the cover, but decided instead to proceed with the countdown and hope for good weather.
The agency has until Tuesday or Wednesday to get Endeavour into orbit before it would stand down until July 27 to allow a Russian Progress cargo ship to launch and dock at the station.
NASA has eight shuttle missions remaining to complete construction of the orbital outpost, a $100 billion project of 16 nations. Endeavour's primary cargo is a platform to hold science experiments that need to be exposed to the open environment of space. The porch is to be connected to the front of Japan's $2.4 billion Kibo complex.
The shuttle crew plans to conduct five spacewalks during their 12-day stay at the station. The astronauts also plan to replace batteries in one of the station's solar panel wings and stash spare parts needed to keep the outpost operational after the shuttle fleet is retired next year. (Editing by Mohammad Zargham)
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Delayed spacewalk ends successfully.