NASA has reported that it intends to change the space shuttle launch schedule for next year due to a backlog in processing external fuel tanks.

The schedule changes would delay the initial launch of 2007 to March 16 from February 22; Endeavour's launch would shift to June 28 from June 11. atlantis' scheduled launch would be delayed, moving to September 7 from August 9.

Two launches carrying International Space Station parts constructed by European and Japanese space agencies are scheduled for late 2007 and would not be affected.