June 21, 2003

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center 
(321) 867-2468

RELEASE: 48-03

MER-B "OPPORTUNITY" LAUNCH POSTPONED

The Flight Readiness Review was held today for the MER-B launch of the 
"Opportunity" Mars Exploration Rover. Afterward, a decision was made 
to postpone the launch by at least a couple of days.

Based on routine post-test inspections, the launch team has elected to 
remove and replace a band of protective cork insulation on the Delta 
first stage. The location is below the forward attach points of the 
strap-on solid rocket boosters. Inspections of a second band located 
higher on the first stage are being performed.

The time necessary to do this work means a rescheduling of the launch 
to no earlier than Saturday, June 28 at 11:56:16 p.m. EDT. A firm 
date will be established on Monday after the engineering team 
reconvenes. 

	
-end-