spacetoday.net: Sensor problem delays Delta 2 launch, another attempt Monday

Updated: Mon, Feb 11, 2002, 7:17 AM ET (1217 GMT)
Originally Posted: Sun, Feb 10, 2002, 12:56 PM ET (1756 GMT)
Delta 2 launch file photo (Boeing)

For the third day in a row the launch of a Delta 2 carrying five Iridium satellites has been delayed. Launch controllers delayed a planned Sunday launch two hours before its scheduled 12:49 pm EST (1749 GMT) liftoff time when engineers could not resolve a problem with a fuel tank sensor in the booster's first stage. The launch has been rescheduled for Monday at 12:43 pm EST (1743 GMT). The original launch attempt on Friday was scrubbed at T-55 seconds because of a wind gust that caused the booster to sway beyond acceptable limits; Saturday's launch was postponed by mechanical problems with an aircraft that collects telemetry from the rocket during flight.