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Grounded space shuttle fearing Ernesto storm

Space shuttle Atlantis? flight is most likely to be delayed due to the nearing Ernesto storm. The space shuttle, which is currently held in it?s seaside Florida launch pad will move to a protective hanger to avoid damage from the predicted storm. That will postpone the planned launch for an uncertain period of time. Six astronauts were to scheduled to spend 11 days in orbit, to deliver and install a 35,000 pound power module to the space station.

The shuttle fleet will be retired by 2010 by which time the station must be finished.
This delay is almost certain unless some drastic turn of events will happen soon regarding the still nearing storm. NASA`s rules specify the need to remove shuttles from their launch pads no less than 48 hours prior to expected winds of a minimum of 58 miles an hour.

Meanwhile, Nasa asked it?s Russian partners to changed there expected Soyuz launch to the station, which may open a six day window for further launching attempts. Continuous efforts to launch Atlantis in this coming September include easing the night restrictions on night time flights originally imposed following the 2003 accident in order to allow better camera view of liftoff.