George Diller                                                                              June 29, 2003 
Kennedy Space Center
321/867-2468

KSC Release No. 52-03

MER-B DELTA LAUNCH WITH OPPORTUNITY POSTPONED TO JULY 2

Upon inspecting the first stage of the Delta launch vehicle after the June 28 launch attempt, engineers found that the lower band of cork insulation that was removed and replaced has limited areas that have debonded from the surface of the vehicle. Sections of this band, approximately ten percent of the circumference, will be reinstalled. The band of cork insulation around the vehicle is approximately 2 feet wide and ¼ inch thick. 

Based on the amount of time this work will require, launch has been rescheduled for Wednesday, July 2. There are two launch opportunities available: 11:17:37 p.m. and 11:59:54 p.m. EDT.

Accredited media covering the launch should meet at the Gate 1 Pass and Identification Building of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Wednesday, July 2 at 10 p.m.

NASA Television coverage will begin at 9 p.m. EDT.

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