Endeavor launch delayed until April 29

By the CNN Wire Staff STORY HIGHLIGHTSShuttle launch delayed for 10 days, NASA says, until April 29Scheduling conflict involved a Russian cargo ship's docking with international space stationEndeavor underwent inspections after minor weather damage last week (CNN) -- The launch of the space shuttle Endeavor, originally scheduled for April 19, has been delayed until April 29, NASA said Monday.

The delay is due to a scheduling conflict with a Russian cargo ship that was scheduled to be docked at the international space station near Endeavor's original launch date, NASA's public information office said.

Endeavor underwent inspections for two days after thunderstorms, hail and a lightning strike last week near the launch pad caused minor damage to insulation foam at the top of the spacecraft.

Six astronauts are scheduled to fly in Endeavor's 36th and final mission later this month. Mark Kelly, the huband of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Arizona, will command the mission.

Giffords reportedly has plans to attend the launch. She is recovering after being severely wounded in a shooting that killed six people in January in Tucson, Arizona.

View the Original article