STS-115 Launch Postponed

The Space Shuttle Mission Management Team decided Saturday afternoon to postpone the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis for at least 24 hours to allow more time for teams to assess ground and flight systems following a strong lighting strike to the lighting protection system at the launch pad on Friday afternoon.

“We’re going to let the teams go off and work the plans,” said LeRoy Cain, launch integration manager and chairman of the management team. Cain said the Mission Management Team would review data and decide about Monday when they reconvene at 10 a.m. EDT on Sunday.

If it is determined that all systems are go for a Monday launch, the weather presents only a 20 percent chance of “no go” according to U.S. Air Force First Lt. Kaleb Nordgren of the 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

The liftoff time for Monday would be 4:04 p.m. EDT.