Gusty wind forces another launch delay for Discovery

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With gusts exceeding 50 mph at the pad, NASA bumped the launch of space shuttle Discovery to Tuesday despite forecasts calling for more blustery weather.

It was the second delay in five days for NASA's 100th space shuttle flight, an ambitious space station construction mission. Last week's postponement was caused by a sluggish valve and suspect bolts.

The space agency called off Monday night's launch attempt 11 hours in advance.

High wind prevented technicians from moving a vent hood into position over the external fuel tank, part of the preparation for filling the tank. The wind limit is 48 mph, and gusts reached more than 51 mph, said NASA spokesman Bruce Buckingham.

The hood, which NASA refers to as the ''beanie cap,'' is used during and after fueling to remove gaseous oxygen venting from the tip of the fuel tank. It is swung back two minutes before liftoff.

If the gas were allowed to hover, frost would form on the tank and could turn into dangerous chunks of ice.

The crew's six Americans and one Japanese have been training for this mission for three years, much longer than usual. Russia's delays in building and then launching the space station's living quarters kept postponing Discovery's flight.

During the 11-day mission, the astronauts will attach two new segments to the international space station. Until that is completed, no one can move in.

The launch of the space station's first permanent crew is set for Oct. 30 from Kazakstan.

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