Damage to NASA Kennedy Space Center facilities from Hurricane Frances could delay the space shuttie's return to flight, but unmanned launch facilities at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station fared better. Space managers at Kennedy and the Cape facilities to the south are concerned, however, that Hurricane Ivan, forecast to pass near the facilities this week, could wreak further havoc. While not devastated by any means, Kennedy suffered the worst hurricane damage in its 40-year history. More than 800 wall panels, covering about 52,000 sq. ft. of the historic Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) (above), were torn away by sustained 80-mph. winds. The 525-ft.-tall VAB, once used to stack Apollo Moon rockets, now handles space shuttles. Its roof is also a concern. Inner insulation panels were blown off allowing rain penetration into the building (right).
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