NASA will delay the launching of the Space Shuttle Discovery, presently scheduled for late May or early June, until mid-July according to published reports. The reason: unresolved concerns about debris coming from the shuttle's fuel tank. The official announcement is expected later Friday afternoon.

It was debris from the insulation of the wing of the shuttle Columbia that punctured a hole in the wing upon takeoff and caused the shuttle to explode upon reentry to the earth's atmosphere in 2003. All seven astronauts on board were killed instantly. NASA has suspended the shuttle's missions since that time until safety concerns could be addressed.

The shuttle's mission on its first voyage since the Columbia disaster is to visit the International Space Station and bring supplies to the astronauts living there.

While the delay is frustrating for NASA and for space exploration enthusiasts, safety has to remain the number one concern. Experts hope they can solve the debris problems quickly to allow for a July launch.