Image above: Space shuttle Atlantis stands on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

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Shuttle launch cancelled again

The launch of space shuttle Atlantis has been rescheduled for no earlier than January 2, 2008.

The postponement will give engineers time to evaluate false readings from the engine cutoff sensor system that measures liquid hydrogen in the external tank.

Of the four engine cutoff sensors, ECO sensor number three gave false readings during Sunday's launch attempt. The sensor system is one of several that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low.

Atlantis' scheduled launch on Thursday was delayed after two of the four engine cutoff, or ECO, sensors in the shuttle's external fuel tank gave false readings. A third sensor failed after the tank was drained of fuel.

The post-Mission Management Team press conference will be conducted at about 10 a.m. It will be broadcast on NASA TV.

When Atlantis does finally launch, 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

Two 'Amateur Radio on the International Space Station'
(ARISS) antennas have been installed on the nadir side of Columbus

Read more on the ARISS antennas
ARISS antennas bound for space