NASA delays second Mars rover launch again

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA delayed the launch of its second Mars rover until at least today after problems resurfaced Sunday with the cork insulation on the rover's rocket.

The band of cork, designed to insulate the rocket from excessive heat, wasn't sticking to the skin of the rocket, causing gaps that could lead to damage during liftoff, said George Diller, a NASA spokesman at the Kennedy Space Center.

The problem was found during overnight inspections after wind conditions forced the launch to be scrubbed twice late Saturday and early Sunday. The launch of the rover Opportunity had already been pushed back last week because the adhesive wasn't bonding with the cork.

The cork was replaced, but the problem still reappeared Sunday.

"They don't fully understand what the problem is," Diller said. "If it's not adhering to the vehicle, you don't get the full effect of the insulation. It has to adhere to be sure it's doing its job."

Opportunity, and its sister rover, Spirit, launched earlier this month, will act as robotic geologists during their three months of exploration on the Martian surface. The rovers, expected to arrive on Mars in January, are to send back images of sediment and mineral deposits that can help scientists determine whether there was ever enough water on the planet to sustain life.

The six-wheeled Opportunity rover, about the size of a large riding lawn mower, is loaded with cameras and equipment to analyze the Martian surface.

Opportunity is to be launched on a Delta II Heavy rocket. It would be the first launch of that model of Delta II rocket.