Posted: Thu, Aug 14, 2003, 12:01 PM ET (1601 GMT)

The launch of a Titan 4B has been delayed for at least one day after a propellant leak on the launch pad Tuesday. The launch of the vehicle, carrying a classified National Reconnaissance Office payload, was scheduled for late Sunday night. However, during fueling on Tuesday a faulty valve in ground equipment allowed nearly 200 liters of toxic nitrogen tetroxide propellant to leak. The leak created a plume of gas that dispersed before reaching any populated areas, and no injuries were reported. The launch has been tentatively rescheduled for late Monday night.