Space Shuttle Update

The space shuttle Endeavour was set to make its final trek into space this past Friday.  However, due to a technical problem, NASA did not allow the liftoff to take place from Kennedy Space Center.  As of Saturday, Endeavour's crew were still hopeful the launch would just be delayed until Monday.  However, the crew was told by NASA they could return home to their families and await further information.

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The technical problem of Endeavour initially involved technicians replacing a switch box in the engine compartment.  This is why there were still hopes of the astronauts having a possible launch on Monday.  However, NASA saw that as impossible after it became clear more in depth work was needed on a faulty heater system. 

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Endeavour has of course been a high profile launch because it will be the last launch of the shuttle, ever.  Endeavour has also been in the headlines not only because one of its crew members, Mark Kelly, will be on board,  (Kelly is the husband of wounded U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords.) but also because the shuttle will be carrying a "$2 billion particle physics experiment and spare space station parts (Associated Press)." 

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NASA has announced a new, tentative date for the space shuttle Endeavour.  Liftoff was initially suppose to take place this past Friday, but because of a technical problem, officials couldn’t predict when the new launch date would be.  Endeavour is now expected to take its final voyage into space no earlier than May 10^th.