Bruce Buckingham                                                               November 17, 2004
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(Phone: 321/867-2468)

KSC Release: 90-04

SWIFT LAUNCH DELAYED

Launch of NASA’s Swift spacecraft aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket has been delayed at least 24 hours due to a concern with Range Command-Receiver Decoder equipment on the launch vehicle. The concern arose overnight after the “Safe and Arm” devices were connected on the launch vehicle.

The decision to postpone the launch occurred as engineers were making final checks prior to launch tower roll back at Complex 17 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Launch is expected to occur no earlier than Thursday, Nov. 18 at 12:09 p.m. EST.

The management team will meet later today to confirm the launch date based on the latest engineering assessments which are ongoing today.

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