Dangerous Repairs Begun On Shuttle

Technicians trying to avert an O-ring problem were hoisted into Endeavour’s rocket nozzles Friday, wearing suits to prevent static electricity that could ignite the solid-fuel boosters above them.

Endeavour is grounded because of heat damage to critical O-ring seals in booster nozzles during the past two shuttle flights of Atlantis and Discovery. NASA fears Endeavour could have the same problem.

The unprecedented, dangerous work at the launch pad is expected to take a week, followed by another week of launch preparations. If all goes well, Endeavour could lift off on its science mission around Sept. 1.