Why the big security around the latest NASA space launch

asks Dreich:
A. All security around NASA launches has tightened since the September 11 terrorist attacks. As part of its new safety policy, the US space agency made no announcement about the launch.

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The location of the seven astronauts was kept secret until they arrived at the launch pad. There is normally a live broadcast of them having their breakfast and getting into their suits, but this time a video was broadcast by NASA instead.

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NASA also kept the new launch time secret until the day before lift off - the space shuttle Atlantis didn't lift off from the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral until Monday April 8 - after four days of delays.

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Q. What caused the delays
A. There was a leak in the fuel lines which sent clouds of hydrogen ballooning into the air. There was also a last-minute technical hitch just 11 seconds before the crucial five-minute launch window, which technicians managed to fix.

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Q. What other security measures were taken
A. There were fighter jets and attack helicopters patrolling a no-fly zone around the launch site. There was a brief security scare when a plane flew close to the launch pad, but an army spokesman at the Kennedy Space Center said the pilot had been escorted out of the launch area. There was also a no-sail zone surrounding Cape Canaveral, and a ship was chased out of that.

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Q. What is the mission of the space flight
A. The shuttle flew to the ISS space station so the crew could fit a 12-tonne girder called Truss S0, which will form the first section of the backbone of the station.

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They also took a cart to run along rails on the backbone and allow the station's robotic arm to move across the platform.

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Several scientific experiments went along, too, including one to grow wheat and mustard family plants in space. This is part of a long-term programme to develop life support technologies for long space missions.�

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Q. How long do they plan to spend in space
A. The crew of seven is spending 12 days in space, working with the three members of the ISS crew.

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Q. Where can I get an update
A. Visit the NASA website.

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By Sheena Miller