Loading of cryogenic reactants into the power reactant storage and distribution system was planned for 1 p.m. today, but delayed by about four hours due to lower than acceptable helium readings in the orbiter midbody umbilical unit cavity. Helium is used to purge the tanks before reactant loading. Workers were sent out to Pad 39B to inspect the purge line interfaces and tightened the fittings.
Mangers expect to recuperate from the delay with no significant impacts to the launch schedule.
Air Force weather forecasters are currently indicating a 40 percent probability that weather may prohibit Wednesday's launch of Columbia. The primary concern is for low cloud ceilings, thick layered clouds and possible showers. The system will reply with a confirmation via e-mail of each subscription.