Gusty Winds Delay Launch of Shuttle

With gusts exceeding 50 mph at the pad, NASA bumped the launch of space shuttle Discovery to today despite forecasts calling for more blustery weather at the Kennedy Space Center. It was the second delay in five days for NASA’s 100th shuttle flight, an ambitious space station construction mission. Last week’s postponement was caused by a sluggish valve and suspect bolts. The space agency called off Monday’s launch attempt after high wind prevented technicians from moving a vent hood into position over the external fuel tank, part of the preparation for filling the tank. The wind limit is 48 mph, and gusts reached more than 51 mph, a NASA spokesman said.