Posted: Mon, Oct 2, 2006, 8:09 AM ET (1209 GMT)
The launch of a European weather satellite has been delayed several days in order to check the satellite and upper stage for any damage experienced by an unexpected shock. According to an ESA statement, the MetOp-A spacecraft, Fregat upper stage, and payload fairing, collectively known as the "upper composite", experienced "a slight mechanical shock" on Saturday. Launch managers elected to remove the upper composite from the rest of the rocket and perform inspections. The launch of the rocket, which had been scheduled for October 7th from Baikonur, has been delayed at least until October 10 or 11; a new launch date will be announced by Wednesday, assuming inspections turn up no sign of damage to the satellite or upper stage. MetOp-A is Europe's first polar-orbit weather satellite, and will be used in conjunction with a similar series of US polar-orbit weather satellites.

Related Links:

•  Interfax article
•  ESA press release