Posted: Thu, Aug 3, 2006, 6:33 AM ET (1033 GMT)
A key antenna of NASA's Deep Space Network will remain offline longer than planned, potentially disrupting a number of missions. The 70-meter antenna at the DSN facility near Madrid has been offline since the end of June for routine maintenance, and had been scheduled to return to operations in October. However, inspections of the antenna discovered two damaged bearings used to turn the telescope; replacing the bearings will keep the antenna offline until at least January. The delay could affect a number of missions, including Cassini and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, that planned to use the antenna to relay spacecraft commands and data. Another mission scheduled for launch at the end of August, STEREO, also planned to make extensive use of the DSN.

Related Links:

•  New Scientist article
•  SPACE.com article