NASA News 
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration

John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321-867-2468
_____________________________________________________________
For Release: Feb. 27, 2002

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center                                 
321/867-2468

KSC Release No: 15-02

LAUNCH OF SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA POSTPONED 24 HOURS DUE TO LOW TEMPERATURE
FORECAST

The launch of Space Shuttle Columbia on STS-109 has been postponed 24 hours
to Friday, March 1. NASA managers decided after reviewing the launch weather
forecast that the projected temperature at the launch pad of 38 degrees was
at the margin of the acceptable limit in combination with the predicted wind
speed and relative humidity. The forecast for a launch attempt on Friday
calls for a temperature approximately 10 degrees warmer.  Waiting an
additional 24 hours protects the option for two possible back-to-back launch
opportunities for the launch team.  

The launch window on Friday is 6:22 - 7:24 a.m. EST.


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