The US space agency has slated another attempt at blastoff for Wednesday July 2. Sunday's postponement comes after NASA's delay a day earlier of the launch due to high winds over Cape Canaveral.

"The first launch attempt of the Mars rover 'Opportunity' on Saturday evening was scrubbed due to upper level winds," George Diller, spokesman for NASA said.

"The launch is further postponed to Wednesday, July 2, by problems with the cork insulation on the Delta launch vehicle."

A fresh attempt will be made at 11:17 pm Wednesday (0317 GMT Thursday), with a second window of opportunity shortly afterwards at 11:50 pm (0359 GMT), NASA said.

SPACE.WIRE