CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., July 14 (UPI) -- NASA officials said Thursday more time will be needed to determine why a sensor malfunctioned, scrubbing Wednesday's launch of space shuttle Discovery.
The engine cut-off sensor started sending intermittent readings less than 2 ½ hours before the scheduled 3:51 p.m. EDT launch. NASA said the sensor protects a shuttle's main engines by shutting them down in the event fuel runs unexpectedly low.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration regulations require all four sensors to be functioning properly for liftoff.
Space Shuttle Program Deputy Manager Wayne Hale said more information might be available Friday, after NASA and contractor engineering teams across the nation have had more time to analyze data.
Hale said the shuttle's crew will remain at the Kennedy Space Center for the time being, continuing preparations, repeating some training and even taking some time to relax.
No new launch time was announced.
