Two Atlantis launch attempts were delayed by faulty readings from low-fuel sensors.
A feed-through connector, which runs through the wall of Atlantis' external tank, was found to be the cause of multiple low-fuel sensor failures during a tanking test this morning.
"We know exactly what we've got to work on now," shuttle program manager Wayne Hale said during a press briefing.
Hale said Atlantis will launch "as soon as practical," which he explained means that the Jan. 10 launch date might not be firm.
Faulty sensor readings on Dec. 6 and 9 forced the scrub of two launch attempts. The faulty connection was found today by a device that bounces a pulse of electricity down the wire, which bounced back at the connector.
"The sensors themselves are exonerated," said Hale. "We are still in the midst of troubleshooting. Part of this may be an installation problem."
Three of four sensors gave faulty readings today, while readings from a fourth sensor remained steady. The fourth sensor, however, failed on an earlier launch attempt.
NASA managers will meet on Wednesday to determine the best way to repair the connectors, which could require entering the external tank from the bottom.
"We have a bit more work ahead of us," said Hale.
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