Storms spoil NASA satellite launch attempt The Radiation Belt
Storm Probes prepped for launch. / CBS News (AP) CAPE CANAVERAL,
Fla. - Thunderstorms have ruined NASA's second attempt to launch
a pair of science satellites. For the second day in a row, NASA
had to halt the countdown for its Radiation Belt Storm Probes.
Lightning and thick storm clouds prevented the unmanned rocket
from taking off early Saturday from Cape Canaveral. On Friday, a
tracking beacon on the rocket held up the flight. NASA says it
will try again Sunday. The twin satellites are designed to study
Earth's harsh radiation belts. Scientists say the two-year
mission will improve space forecasting. The goal is to better
guard against solar storms. Spacecraft can be damaged, and
astronauts hurt, from severe solar outbursts. Life here on the
planet also can be disrupted. Popular in SciTech - Amazon
proposes a colossal biospherelike Seattle campus - Weird pirate
ant comes with an "eye patch" - Jennifer Lopez to open Verizon
cellphone stores - Th