(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-14 15:34

WASHINGTON - NASA is now targeting January 10 for the launch of shuttle Atlantis because of the ongoing work to resolve the fuel tank sensor issues, the federal space agency announced Thursday.

Space shuttle Atlantis is shown on Launch Pad 39A as mission managers prepare for launch at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida Dec. 6, 2007. NASA is now targeting Jan. 10 for the launch of shuttle Atlantis because of the ongoing work to resolve the fuel tank sensor issues. [Xinhua]

The shuttle's planned launches on December 6 and December 9 were postponed because of false readings of three fuel sensors. Then NASA pushed the launch date to no earlier than January 2.

The new launch date, eight days later than the January 2 target, will allow NASA engineers and astronauts some much deserved time off during the holidays while the agency try to hunt down the sensor glitch.

"The workforce has stepped up to meet every challenge this year," said Wayne Hale, NASA's Space Shuttle Program manager. "Moving the next launch attempt of Atlantis to January 10 will allow as many people as possible to have time with family and friends at the time of year when it means the most."

Currently, the trouble shooting work is planned for December 18. Technicians and engineers plan to test the sensor system onboard Atlantis by pumping super-cold liquid hydrogen into the external fuel tank.

Atlantis' main objective during its STS-122 mission to the International Space Station is to install and activate the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory.