Gusts prevent space shuttle landing

Strong winds in Florida prevented the space shuttle Atlantis returning to Earth on time today.

The wind was blowing too hard across the landing strip to allow a safe touchdown.

It forced the crew to take another swing around the world, hoping the weather would improve.

The cross-wind limit for a shuttle landing is 17mph and gusts were exceeding 24mph.

Atlantis has enough fuel and supplies to remain in orbit until at least Tuesday and probably Wednesday.

During their 11-day voyage, the crew delivered and installed the most expensive piece of the international space station, the Destiny laboratory.