Atlantis’ Tanking Test Slightly Delayed

The start of space shuttle Atlantis’ tanking test will be delayed due to storms that moved through the NASA Kennedy Space Center, Fla., area this afternoon and tonight. Filling of Atlantis’ external fuel tank with more than 500,000 gallons of super cold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen now will begin at approximately 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday.

Initial reports indicate three lightning strikes within 1/4 mile of the pad this afternoon, but preliminary assessments indicate no damage from the storm to the pad or shuttle. Engineers are reviewing data to confirm.