Fuel-line cracks delay next shuttle launch

Shuttle Columbia on the launch pad before a previous launch

(CNN) -- The July launch of the space shuttle Columbia will be postponed following the detection of small cracks in the fuel lines of two other shuttles, according to NASA.

NASA managers decided to halt launch preparations until they can determine the cause of the cracks found in the shuttles Atlantis and Discovery.

"These cracks may pose a safety concern and we have teams at work investigating all aspects of the situation," space shuttle program manager Ron Dittemore said Monday.

Columbia's 16-day mission, slated to begin July 19, will be delayed at least several weeks to allow technicians an opportunity to inspect the orbiter's fuel lines.

The cracks in Atlantis and Discovery measured one-tenth to three-tenths of an inch. Some of them remained undetected during conventional inspections and were found only with more elaborate searches, NASA said.

"This is a very complex issue and it is early in the analysis. Right now there are more questions than answers. Our immediate interests are to inspect the hardware to identify cracks that exist, understand what has caused them and quantify the risk," Dittemore said in a statement.

"I am confident the team will fully resolve this issue, but it may take some time. Until we have a better understanding, we will not move forward with the launch of [Columbia]."