spacetoday.net: MRO launch delayed 24 hours

Posted: Wed, Aug 10, 2005, 10:23 AM ET (1423 GMT)
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter illustration (NASA/JPL)

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.