Jules Verne ATV launch rescheduled to 9 March (Forwarded)

European Space Agency
Press Release No. 14-2008
Paris, France 3 March 2008

Jules Verne ATV launch rescheduled to 9 March

Arianespace and the European Space Agency confirm today that the launch of
Jules Verne, the first Automated Transfer Vehicle, is delayed 24 hours due
to a technical concern about the ATV/Ariane 5 launcher separation system.

During the last validation step for the device which separates the 20-tonne
European spacecraft from its launcher, a potential problem was identified
with the fitting of the grounding straps located in the separation system.
Today, after removal of the Ariane 5 fairing, this item will be checked
again, consistent as always with the conservative and precautionary approach
taken by ESA to its missions.

In order to maintain safe margins for the countdown, ESA and Arianespace
decided to postpone the launch by one day. The Jules Verne launch is
rescheduled for 00:59 Kourou time, 03:59 UTC, 04:59 CET on Sunday 9 March
2008.

ESA's Jules Verne ATV will re-supply the International Space Station,
delivering experiments, equipment and spare parts, as well as food, air and
water for the permanent onboard crew.

For further information, please contact:

Franco Bonacina
ESA Media Relations Office
Communication and Knowledge Department
Tel: +33(0)1 53 69 7713

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