Posted: Mon, Apr 14, 2003, 9:10 PM ET (0110 GMT)
NASA confirmed late Monday that the launch of its SIRTF space telescope would be delayed over a week, and added that a spacecraft problem will delay the launch of the first of twin Mars rovers. NASA announced that the launch of SIRTF (Space Infrared Telescope Facility) on a Delta 2 Heavy has been postponed from April 18 until April 27. The additional time is needed to complete launch readiness reviews of the booster. The Delta 2 Heavy, making its maiden flight with SIRTF, is a Delta 2 with the larger strap-on boosters originally developed for the Delta 3. That delay will also push back the launch of the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) mission on a Pegasus booster; launch is now tentatively scheduled for a week after the SIRTF launch. NASA also announced Monday that the launch of the first Mars Exploration Rover (MER) has been delayed from May 30 until at least June 6. The delay comes after concerns raised during pre-launch tests over the weekend about cabling that connects the main computer in the rover with the lander and cruise stages. The launch window for the first MER rover runs through June 19. The problem is not expected to delay the launch of the second MER rover, scheduled for June 25.

Related Links:

•  NASA/KSC status report
•  AFP article about SIRTF delay
•  SPACE.com article about MER delay