NASA delays launch of Mars robots

WASHINGTON (AFP) Jun 08, 2003
NASA on Sunday delayed by 24 hours its launch of the first of two robots programmed to search for water and signs of life on Mars.

Officials from the space agency said the launch was being postponed because of poor weather.

The first Mars Expedition Rover had been scheduled to depart aboard a Boeing-made Delta II launcher at 2:02 pm (1802 GMT) Sunday from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

That launch time has now been pushed back to 2:02 pm (1802 GMT) Monday.

If launch during the first window of opportunity is not possible, a second launch attempt will come 38 minutes later at 2:40 pm (1840 GMT).

The other robot, Mars Rover, MER-B, is scheduled to launch June 25 and land January 25, 2004, on an area of Mars known as the Meridiani Planum.

SPACE.WIRE