The launch of space shuttle Endeavour has been delayed again, this time because of poor weather conditions at Cape Canaveral in Florida.
Weather forecasters had given an 80 per cent chance of favourable conditions, but thick cloud over the area prevented take-off, which had been scheduled for 2245 GMT on 4 December. Endeavour is now set to launch at 2219 GMT on Wednesday 5 December.
The shuttle was originally due to begin its mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on 29 November. But the launch was initially delayed due to an insecurely docked Russian cargo module at the ISS.
Russian cosmonauts successfully removed a piece of stray rubber from one of the docking stations on 3 December. The rubber seal prevented the unmanned cargo ship from docking securely to the International Space Station (ISS) when it arrived on 28 November.
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The cargo vessel connected with the ISS but could not lock itself firmly to the station because of the obstruction. It is thought a previous Russian Progress cargo ship left behind the circular rubber seal during undocking.
Endeavour will carry further supplies and a new crew of two US astronauts and one Russian cosmonaut to the ISS.
It will be the first shuttle launch since the terrorist attacks of 11 September and security has been tightened at Cape Canaveral. The local no-fly zone has been increased and fewer people will be allowed to attend the launch.
