Lightning Strikes Delay Endeavour's Launch

NASA reported 11 lightning strikes during the storms that have plagued the Florida coast for weeks. None of the strikes hit the shuttle or its external tank and solid rocket boosters, but there were strikes to the lightning mast and water tower. Two of the strikes were strong enough to trigger an evaluation by NASA engineers.

The Endeavour's original launch date was June 13, but it was canceled 5 hours before launch due to a potentially dangerous vent line hydrogen gas leak. NASA tried again on June 17 but called the mission when the hydrogen leak reappeared.