SIRTF Launch On Schedule For August 25

For Release: Aug. 23, 2003

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

KSC Release No.: 75-03

SIRTF LAUNCH ABOARD DELTA ROCKET ON SCHEDULE FOR AUG. 25

A final decision was made early this evening by NASA and Boeing management
to continue with the countdown and launch preparations for the Space
Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). While the electrical components in
question on the Delta launch vehicle are inaccessible for inspection,
engineering analysis by two separate teams reached a conclusion that there
is full confidence in the process used to screen for their quality and
reliability. Therefore, a clear decision to proceed, based on low risk,
was reached without reservation by senior managers.

The tracking and instrumentation ship is expected to arrive on station in
the lower central Indian Ocean between 6 and 7 p.m. on Sunday evening in
sufficient time to support the launch early Monday.

The forecast for launch remains unchanged, with only a 20% chance of not
meeting the weather criteria. The liftoff is scheduled to occur at
1:35:39 a.m. EDT.

NASA Television coverage of the launch will begin at 11:30 p.m. EDT.


Note to Editors:

Media establishing remote cameras at Pad 17-B will depart from the Pass and
Identification Building on Gate 1 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at
9:30 a.m. Those media going to the tower rollback photo opportunity will
depart by bus from Gate 1 for the pad at 4:30 p.m. For launch, media
should report to the Gate 1 Pass and Identification Building at 11:30 p.m.
for accreditation and security checks. Please note this is one-half hour
earlier than originally scheduled.

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