There was a bright side to this disappointment, though. If the signal to stop the launch had been a fraction of a second later, the main engines on Columbia would have started and any chance for a quick launch turnaround would have been lost. The whole crew salutes the vigilance and professionalism of the launch team and we fully support the decision they made. Now we have gathered again at the press site and the countdown is proceeding smoothly. There is only a ten percent chance of thunderstorms this afternoon when the launch team will begin reloading the external tank with 500,000 gallons of liquid propellant.
Weather conditions look excellent for tonight.
NASA officials report that they have resolved their difficulties with the errant indicator. There is a growing sense of excitement and confidence. Visit our archives .