CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Low clouds forced NASA to delay the launch of space shuttle Discovery tonight, and strong winds could delay another attempt for a day or two.

NASA managers waited until the end of the launch window before deciding to call off the launch scheduled for 9:35 p.m. EST. It would have been the first launch attempt at night in four years.

We gave it the best shot and didn t get clear and convincing evidence that the cloud ceiling had cleared for us, launch director Mike Leinbach told Discovery s seven astronauts.

Commander Mark Polansky responded, Try not to be too disappointed.

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First Published December 8, 2006, 2:51 a.m.