News Archive

Monday, April 14, 2003 Mars Exploration Rover Launch Delayed NASA announced today that it had discovered a problem with the software behind the wiring between the main computer and peripheral functions of the spacecraft. The main computer, located in the rover component, is to be separated from its control of the spacecraft and the lander. NASA discovered that when the rover was separated from these two systems it would interpret signals incorrectly. The problem will require disassembly of both rovers, and will force the postponement of the May launch, which will be delayed until no earlier than June 6. This will not affect the launch date of the second rover, and the first rover will still arrive in Gusev Crater on January 4. The Red Colony team's luck is holding out. We plan to see the launch of the second rover on June 25. (More info: Spaceflight Now) @ 21:57 EST