Shuttle Launch Delayed Again

The launch of space shuttle Challenger, with a crew of seven that includes Sen. Jake Garn (R-Utah), will be delayed at least three more days, and possibly until March 7, to give specialists time to repair a hydrogen leak and a balky satellite battery, reliable sources said today.

Additional delay is possible if the problems aren’t solved in time, said the sources, who spoke only on condition they not be identified. The flight originally was set for Feb. 20 but has been pushed back gradually by a series of technical problems.