None of the injuries were to the shuttle itself, the external fuel tank or the solid fuel boosters, but injuries were recorded to the mast used as a lightning arrester and to the water tower
Update, 11/7/09 time 20:00
The launch of the space shuttle Endeavor was delayed again by 24 hours, due to the need for engineers to assess the condition of the shuttle's critical systems after 11 lightning strikes in the area of launch pad 39A.
None of the injuries were to the ferry itself, the external fuel tank or the solid fuel boosters, but injuries were recorded to the mast used as a lightning arrester and to the water tower. Yes, the launch is equipped with a lightning protection system consisting of cables that are supposed to keep the lightning away from the shuttle itself.
"So far, we have not discovered damage to any of the shuttle's systems," says Michael Moses, chairman of the launch preparation team.
Both vulnerabilities were strong enough to require further testing by engineers just to be sure that Endeavour's systems were ready for flight. Although initial assessments showed no problems, the engineers wanted more time to be sure they had checked everything properly. "We must be 100% sure that we have good systems for all guests" said Moses.
Now the launch date is Sunday 19:13 EST (Monday 02:13 Israel time) and at this time the weather forecast predicts a 60% chance of acceptable conditions, this is in contrast to today when from the beginning the chances of the storm were at this rate.
Previous update around 12:00
The problem with the fuel tank has been fixed, the shuttle is ready for launch, and what about the weather?
According to the tests carried out by NASA engineers, it seems that the fuel leak has been fixed, and therefore the shuttle Endeavor received the green light for launch on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. However, the weather may cause another delay. Forecasters are predicting a 60% chance of a thunderstorm Saturday evening at the Kennedy Space Center, where the launch time is 19:39 p.m.
Mike Moses, director of shuttle launch integration at the Kennedy Space Center says: "The bottom line for the team is that everything is ready for launch, we don't have any serious issues to deal with." However, he added: "We are in a good position to launch, but we have some challenges from the weather, but I am sure we will overcome them."
Two previous launch attempts on June 13 and 17 were canceled after a leak was discovered in a hydrogen pipe on the side of the external fuel tank. This malfunction was discovered during refueling a few hours before the scheduled time of the launch. NASA engineers replaced a unit of Teflon casing with two separate and more flexible units, and performed an experimental refueling on July 1 that passed successfully and without leaks.
The 16-day mission will include five spacewalks and with their help the installation of the Japanese space laboratory Kibo will be completed, a platform will be added to the outer side of the component that will allow exposure of experiments to space conditions and necessary maintenance work will be carried out.
The team includes Commander Mark Polonsky, pilot Douglas Hurley, as well as astronauts David Wolfe, Christopher Cassidy, Thomas Marshboom and Timothy Cooper, as well as the Canadian Julie Pettit.
