NOTE: NASA today decided to postpone for 24-hours the launch of Columbia on mission STS-83. Following a review earlier today, managers determined that a water coolant line in the orbiter's payload bay was not properly insulated. Additional insulation is required to prevent this line from possibly freezing during Columbia's 16 days in space.
Technicians will open the payload bay doors tonight and install the thermal insulation over the line which is located on the forward bulkhead in the payload bay. The work should be completed tomorrow afternoon and the doors closed for flight soon after that.
The launch time on Friday, April 4, is under review but could be as early as 1:07 p.m. EST. The exact launch time will be determined tomorrow. Additional information will be provided at a press briefing scheduled for 10:30 a.m.
Commander (CDR): Jim Halsell (Red Team) Pilot (PLT): Susan Still (Red Team) Mission Specialist (MS1): Janice Voss (Blue Team) Mission Specialist (MS2): Michael Gernhardt (Blue Team) Mission Specialist (MS3): Donald Thomas (Red Team) Mission Specialist (PS1): Roger Crouch (Blue Team) Mission Specialist (PS2): Greg Linteris (Red Team)
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