Tracy Young                                                                              June 29, 2003 
Kennedy Space Center
321/867-2468

KSC Release No. 51-03 (revised)

Revised Note to Editors:
MER-B “OPPORTUNITY” LAUNCH DELAYED   

Launch of the MER-B “Opportunity” Mars Exploration Rover aboard a Boeing Delta II Heavy launch vehicle has been postponed due to upper level wind conditions at launch time.

The next opportunity for launch is at 11:46:14 p.m. EDT, June 29.   A second opportunity exists at 12:28:07 a.m. EDT, June 30.  The weather forecast for the next launch opportunity  shows a 60 percent chance of violation of weather criteria.

NASA Television countdown coverage will begin at 9:45 p.m., June 29.    

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