NASA Concerns Delay Shuttle Satellite Test

Beset by computer problems, NASA on Saturday put off the release of a tethered satellite from the space shuttle Columbia to ensure everything is working perfectly before attempting the dangerous experiment.

The seven astronauts stopped rushing--and seemed relieved--when Mission Control informed them the experiment had been delayed until today.

For more than 24 hours, they had been scrambling to fix two critical computers and prepare for a possible Saturday afternoon unreeling of the satellite on a 12.8-mile electrical cable.

Even though the astronauts got the computers working normally with help from engineers on Earth, NASA decided it was prudent to wait an extra day.

Shaw and other managers want more confidence in the tethered-satellite equipment as well as in emergency procedures needed if the computers fail once the satellite is deployed.

Scientists hope the $443-million, U.S.-Italian satellite will generate up to 5,000 volts of electricity as it sweeps through Earth’s magnetic field.