Dec 7, 2007

Katherine Trinidad Headquarters, Washington 202-358-3749 katherine trinidad@nasa gov

Candrea Thomas Kennedy Space Center, Fla 321-867-2468 candrea k thomas@nasa gov

RELEASE: 07-270

NASA TO LAUNCH SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS NO EARLIER THAN SUNDAY

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla - NASA is targeting the launch of space shuttle Atlantis no earlier than Sunday, Dec 9, at 3:21 p m EST from the Kennedy Space Center, Fla Shuttle program managers made the decision after a meeting Friday to review data on a problem with a fuel cutoff sensor system inside the shuttle and its external fuel tank

Because of the length of the meeting, the managers agreed that targeting Sunday would allow the launch and management teams appropriate time to rest and prepare The Mission Management Team will meet Saturday at 1 p m to decide whether to make a Sunday attempt A news conference will be held after the meeting's conclusion

Atlantis' scheduled launch Thursday was delayed after two ECO sensors gave false readings A third sensor failed after the tank was drained of fuel The fuel cutoff sensor system is one of several that protects the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low

During Atlantis' 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the shuttle and station crews will work with ground teams to install and activate the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory The new lab will expand the station's scientific research capabilities

For more information about the STS-122 mission and its crew, visit:

http://www nasa gov/shuttle

-end-

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