Launch of Rosetta on Ariane Delayed Again

Kourou, French Guiana,February 27, 2004– During final inspection of the launcher V158, a minor anomaly was observed on the thermal protection of the main cryogenic stage (EPC).

Corrective action is required. The launch vehicle therefore has to be rolled back to the final assembly building (BAF) for the necessary work to be carried out followed, by a general inspection of the stage.

The thermal protection of the EPC guarantees thermal insulation of the cryogenic propellants against the external environment.

The Rosetta spacecraft remains in safety conditions under the fairing.

These operations will lead to a resumption of the count-down at the beginning of next week.

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the commercial launch services leader, holding more than 50 percent of the international market for satellites launched to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).  Created in 1980 as the world’s first commercial space transportation company, Arianespace has signed contracts for the launch of more than 250 satellite payloads.  For further information, see the Arianespace Web site at www.arianespace.com.