[meteorite-list] MER-B 'Opportunity' Launch Postponed

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:22:42 2004
Message-ID: <200306220616.XAA19233_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

For Release: June 21, 2003

George Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468

KSC Release No. 48 - 03

MER-B "OPPORTUNITY" LAUNCH POSTPONED

The Flight Readiness Review was held today for the MER-B launch of the
"Opportunity" Mars Exploration Rover. Afterward, a decision was made to
postpone the launch by at least a couple of days.

Based on routine post-test inspections, the launch team has elected to
remove and replace a band of protective cork insulation on the Delta first
stage. The location is below the forward attach points of the strap-on
solid rocket boosters. Inspections of a second band located higher on the
first stage are being performed.

The time necessary to do this work means a rescheduling of the launch to no
earlier than Saturday, June 28 at 11:56:16 p.m. EDT. A firm date will be
established on Monday after the engineering team reconvenes.


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Received on Sun 22 Jun 2003 02:16:14 AM PDT