Launch of Second Mars Probe Delayed Again
By Staff Writer | June 30, 2003
The launch of the second Mars Exploration Rovers, named “Opportunity,” aboard a Boeing [NYSE: BA] Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral, Fla., has been delayed until July 2 from an original launch date of June 26 (ST, June 23). The launch team decided to postpone the mission again to double-check the replacement of protective cork insulation on the Delta II 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 underway. The probe is scheduled to reach Mars early next year. The first Mars Exploration Rover was launched June 10.