[meteorite-list] MER-B Delta Launch With Opportunity Postponed To July 2

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:22:45 2004
Message-ID: <200306292318.QAA18293_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

June 29, 2003

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
321-867-2468

KSC Release No. 52-03

MER-B DELTA LAUNCH WITH OPPORTUNITY POSTPONED TO JULY 2

Upon inspecting the first stage of the Delta launch vehicle
after the January 28 launch attempt, engineers found that
the lower band of cork insulation that was removed and
replaced has limited areas that have debonded from the
surface of the vehicle. Sections of this band, approximately
ten percent of the circumference, will be reinstalled.
The band of cork insulation around the vehicle is
approximately 2 feet wide and 1/4 inch thick.

Based on the amount of time this work will require, launch
has been rescheduled for Wednesday, July 2. There are two
launch opportunities available: 11:17:37 p.m. and 11:59:54
p.m. EDT.

Accredited media covering the launch should meet at the
Gate 1 Pass and Identification Building of Cape Canaveral
Air Force Station on Wednesday, July 2 at 10 p.m.

NASA Television coverage will begin at 9 p.m. EDT.

-- end --
Received on Sun 29 Jun 2003 07:18:25 PM PDT