Maybe Another Delay

The bursting of a hose in the cooling system of the Tranquility module space shuttle Endeavour will deliver to ISS may force a delay in the February 7 launch. Endeavour will also deliver the Cupola, a module featuring seven large windows that promises to create a remarkable viewing position on ISS.

Launch delays, of course, have been a problem throughout the shuttle program. While not often serious, such delays helped tell the public and Congress that the shuttle would never approach the efficiency of an airliner, which was one of the selling points when shuttle was being sold to Congress. It should be noted that the faulty hose threatening this delay is not on Endeavour, but it must also be noted that launch delays this year will threaten to push the end of the shuttle program into 2011. Congress and President Obama seem willing to fund that, but such an extension would likely impact other NASA priorities.