spacetoday.net: Aura launch delayed again

Posted: Tue, Jul 13, 2004, 9:45 AM ET (1345 GMT)
Aura spacecraft illustration (NASA)

The launch of NASA's Aura spacecraft has been delayed again because of a potential problem with the spacecraft's data recorder. The launch of Aura atop a Delta 2 from Vandenberg Air Force Base was scrubbed about a half-hour before its scheduled 6 am EDT (1000 GMT) launch when launch controllers noticed a problem with the recorder. No new launch date for the mission has been announced; an announcement is expected late Tuesday once technicians have the opportunity to study the problem. The launch was previously delayed from Sunday to Tuesday because of a problem with a component of the payload fairing separation system on the booster. Aura's mission is to study the Earth's atmosphere, looking for evidence of climate change, pollution, and ozone chemistry.