Posted: Fri, Apr 11, 2003, 10:03 AM ET (1403 GMT)
NASA plans to delay the launch of the SIRTF infrared telescope by about a week to allow for further reviews of the Delta 2 launch vehicle, sources reported Friday. SIRTF (Space InfraRed Telescope Facility) was scheduled for launch on a Delta 2 Heavy on the morning of April 18 from Cape Canaveral. However, Spaceflight Now and the AP reported that NASA is delaying the launch until around April 26 to permit additional reviews of the Delta 2's strap-on boosters. The Delta 2 Heavy, making its inaugural flight with the SIRTF launch, uses the larger GEM 46 strap-on motors originally developed for the Delta 3 engine. Sources said NASA wanted additional time to review the use of those larger strap-ons before clearing the vehicle for launch. The SIRTF launch window lasts until May 7, after which it will have to make way for the launch of twin Mars Exploration Rovers, one of which will also be launched on a Delta 2 Heavy.

Related Links:

•  Spaceflight Now article
•  AP article (via New York Times)