NASA delays launch of shuttle

Cape Canaveral - With just nine hours remaining until lift-off, NASA yesterday delayed the launch of space shuttle Endeavour …

Cape Canaveral - With just nine hours remaining until lift-off, NASA yesterday delayed the launch of space shuttle Endeavour because of a Russian supply ship that is poorly docked to the international space station.

Shuttle managers decided to give engineers until early tomorrow to make sure no damage would result from Endeavour's docking. There was concern that a wobbly supply ship might structurally harm the station, because of the force imparted by the arriving shuttle.

Air Force officials say they're doing everything reasonable to protect Endeavour from a terrorist attack, especially once its external fuel tank is loaded with more than 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen and its crew of seven climbs aboard.

Light aircraft have been banned from flying within 35 miles of the launch pad today, shutting down local airports. All sailors were ordered to stay at least three miles offshore.