Second Mars Rover Launch Pushed Back a Day

By Fraser Cain - June 18, 2003 at 6:35 AM UTC | Missions

NASA announced on Tuesday that it would push back the launch of its second Mars rover, "Opportunity" one day; now tentatively scheduled for June 26. The delay was expected because of the delays with the previous rover, "Spirit". NASA wanted to give its engineers more time to prepare the Delta rocket for the second launch. The spacecraft has been packed up for launch and was moved to the launch pad Tuesday morning to be mated to the top of its Delta rocket. The other rover, Spirit, is working well now a week into its flight.

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain is the publisher of Universe Today, founding the website in March 1999. He's also the co-host of Astronomy Cast.