Launch of the Discovery is delayed to avoid the disaster

Nasa has delayed the launch of the Discovery &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/main/18/87/348/10819_space.html ' target=_blank>space shuttle for a week to allow for extra security checks, the agency announced.

The target date was pushed back to May 22 because of paperwork delays and the need for more time to study unresolved safety issues. Bill Parsons, programme manager, said the initial May 15 date had always been open to re-evaluation, reports VOA News.

Nasa has a window from May 15 to June 3 to launch the shuttle, otherwise it would have to wait until mid-July for suitable conditions.