Space Shuttle Flight Delayed

The leak, which was located near the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate (GUCP), near the external tank, was found when Endeavour was being fueled.

A similar problem was found during an attempt to launch the space shuttle Discovery in March.

Previously, NASA had decided that if the shuttle flight had to be delayed, it would be postponed until July so that it would not conflict with the launch of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter on June 17. However, it is possible that the shuttle launch could be earlier, depending on the outcome of discussions between the management teams of the two missions.

When the Endeavour crew finally reach the International Space Station, they will work on a number of projects, including the completion of Japan's Kibo scientific laboratory module

NASA hopes to complete eight more shuttle missions by 2010, when the shuttle fleet will be retired.