The launch of NASA鈥檚 second Martian rover has been delayed once again, with engineers deciding they need more time to test the process that fixes cork insulation to the Delta II launch vehicle. The launch is now scheduled for the evening of Saturday 5 July.
Stray boats and strong winds have already caused postponements at Cape Canaveral in Florida but the problem with the cork insulation is troubling technicians.
The ring of cork encircles the first stage of the rocket, which contains liquid oxygen, and plays an important double role. Firstly it shields the nine solid rocket boosters attached to the first stage from the coldness of the liquid oxygen during fuelling. Secondly, it protects the first stage itself from the heat of the solid rocket boosters during lift off.
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The cork, which is fixed with an adhesive, has not been sticking properly to the first stage. 鈥淭hey are going to re-evaluate the heating and curing process,鈥� Robert Villanueva, spokesman for Boeing, told 快猫短视频. The tests should be completed by the end of Wednesday.
Villanueva adds: 鈥淭here is no concern this will impact on the success of the mission.鈥� Even so, the end of the rover鈥檚 launch window 鈥� 15 July 鈥� is now getting rather close. If this were missed, only the first rover, launched on 10 June, would make it to the red planet.
NASA鈥檚 rovers are not the only missions setting out to explore Mars. Europe鈥檚 Mars Express orbiter, carrying the British-built lander Beagle 2, and the Japanese spacecraft Nozomi, are also currently speeding towards the red planet.