Gusty wind forced NASA to call off Monday night’s planned launch of space shuttle Discovery on a space station construction mission. The flight was already four days late because of mechanical problems, which were resolved over the weekend. Launch managers said they would try again Tuesday, even though windy weather could still be a problem. High wind prevented technicians from moving a vent hood into position over the external fuel tank Monday morning, part of the preparation before the fuel tank can be filled. 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 exhausting from the tip of the fuel tank. It is swung back two minutes before liftoff.
