MRO launch delayed 24 hours
Posted: Wed, Aug 10, 2005, 9:23 AM ET (1323 GMT)
NASA has delayed the launch of its Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) mission 24 hours in order to investigate a potential problem with a component on its launch vehicle. MRO was scheduled to lift off atop an Atlas 5 rocket Wednesday morning, but late Tuesday NASA delayed the launch after a gyro similar to those on the Atlas 5 failed during a factory test. Engineers will use the additional time to test whether the failure of the Redundant Rate Gyro Unit would have any effect on the Atlas 5 that will launch MRO. The launch has been rescheduled for Thursday at 7:50 am EDT (1150 GMT), pending resolution of the problem. The launch window for the mission remains open through the end of August. MRO will enter orbit around Mars and provide high-resolution imagery of the planet's surface for scientific purposes, as well as planning for future lander missions.
NASA has delayed the launch of its Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) mission 24 hours in order to investigate a potential problem with a component on its launch vehicle. MRO was scheduled to lift off atop an Atlas 5 rocket Wednesday morning, but late Tuesday NASA delayed the launch after a gyro similar to those on the Atlas 5 failed during a factory test. Engineers will use the additional time to test whether the failure of the Redundant Rate Gyro Unit would have any effect on the Atlas 5 that will launch MRO. The launch has been rescheduled for Thursday at 7:50 am EDT (1150 GMT), pending resolution of the problem. The launch window for the mission remains open through the end of August. MRO will enter orbit around Mars and provide high-resolution imagery of the planet's surface for scientific purposes, as well as planning for future lander missions.
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