Cloud weather delays shuttle launch

NASA called everything off with just nine minutes left in the countdown. A band of low cloud moved into the area late on Saturday and forced yesterday’s delay.

Launch managers said they would try again today, when slightly better weather is expected.

Endeavour is carrying a new room for the International Space Station, as well as an observation deck.

A revised launch time of 4.14am, UK time, was issued last night, which is expected to be the final shuttle take-off in darkness.

Only five shuttle missions remain, with this being the last major construction mission.

“We tried really, really hard to work the weather. It was just too dynamic,” launch director Mike Leinbach told the six astronauts aboard Endeavour.

““Sometimes you just got to make the call,” replied commander George Zamka. “So we understand.”