Shuttle launch scrubbed at last minute

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- NASA canceled Thursday's scheduled launch of the space shuttle Discovery when clouds rolled back over Florida during the critical 10-minute window.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration only announced that the launch was off at 9:36 p.m., a minute after the scheduled liftoff, the Palm Beach Post reported. The agency hopes for a launch Friday, Saturday or Sunday, although weather conditions are expected to be iffy because of continuing cloud and increasing crosswinds.

Test Director Jeff Spaulding, during a countdown status briefing at the Kennedy Space Center, said the spacecraft's onboard cryogenic tanks were loaded Wednesday night, with software loads and verifications under way early Thursday in addition to the power-up and checkout of ground communication systems.

Asked about the issues raised Tuesday regarding a mobile launcher platform power surge and adhesive on a reusable solid rocket motor, Spaulding said, "We expect all issues to be resolved."

Kathy Winters, the shuttle weather officer, gave a 60 percent probability of the launch being scrubbed. She said weather conditions are expected to deteriorate until early next week, with forecasts suggesting Tuesday will present the next period of optimal launch weather conditions.

During the 12-day STS-116 mission the crew will continue construction of the International Space Station.