Gabrielle Giffords’ husband’s space shuttle Endeavor’s launch postponed

April 30th, 2011 - 1:40 am ICT by Aishwarya Bhatt  

New York, April 29 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Technical problems have forced NASA to postpone the launch of the Endeavor. The space shuttle was expected to be launched on Friday but NASA says it might not be possible until at least Sunday.

Injured Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was cleared by doctors to attend the launch on Friday. President Barack Obama who was not given an invitation for the Royal Wedding on Friday also decided to be at the launch. Nonetheless the President arrived at the Kennedy Space Center.

The astronauts were also on their way to the launch pad when the postponement was announced. Initial reports said the thermostat that is attached to the heating system didn’t seem to be working properly but NASA came out later through AP saying a problem with an auxiliary power unit’s dual heaters was the cause for the postponement. The report says engineers were not able to rectify the problem prompting the postponement.

Giffords has been recovering following a January shooting that nearly claimed her life. The shootings which took place in Tucson, Arizona resulted in the deaths of 6 people and injury to 14 others including the congresswoman. Doctors have been amazed at her recovery rate.

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