Shuttle landing site closed over security fears

Nasa has closed one of the space shuttle's three international emergency landing sites because of security concerns.

The strip in Morocco was shut down following advice from the US State Department.

It follows heightened security at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida because of a possible terrorist threat.

Nasa spokesman George Diller said: "We couldn't assure the safety of our people over there for this launch so rather than take a chance we decided not to send anyone."

Americans in the region have been warned about possible terrorist activities against US interests and some government staff have been evacuated, it has been reported.

Atlantis is scheduled to deliver a new airlock to the International Space Station but the Morocco landing site is described as "not essential for this launch".

Nasa does have two other emergency strips in Spain and The Gambia which can be used if the shuttle needs to make an emergency landing after lift-off.