Updated: Sun, Feb 10, 2002, 8:10 AM ET (1310 GMT)
Originally Posted: Sat, Feb 9, 2002, 11:57 AM ET (1657 GMT)
The launch of a Delta 2 rocket, scheduled for Saturday, has been delayed again, this time because of problems with a support plane. Mechanical problems with a P-3 plane used to collect telemetry during the Delta launch forced launch controllers to scrub the launch more than three and a half hours before its scheduled 12:54 pm EST (1754 GMT) launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Boeing announced late Saturday that they plan another launch attempt Sundat at 12:49 pm EST (1749 GMT), despite only a 20 percent chance of acceptable weather. The Delta, carrying five replacement Iridium spacecraft, was scheduled to launch Friday but that launch attempt was stopped at T-55 seconds when a wind gust caused the booster to sway beyond acceptable limits. The launch, when it does take place, will the 101st for the Delta 2 family, and the first Delta 2 launch of 2002.

Related Links:

•  Spaceflight Now Delta launch status center