Ariane-4 launch delayed

Paris, 12 Feb 2003

The last launch of an Ariane 4, due to take place this morning at 08:00 CET from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, has been postponed due to unfavourable weather conditions.

Although weather at ground level was fine throughout the day, high altitude winds led to the countdown being stopped before the mobile service gantry was withdrawn. As a result, activity on the launch pad was suspended prior to the startup of the third stage fueling.

Flight 159's Ariane 4 and its payload have been put in a safe mode ready for the next launch attempt which will take place as soon as weather conditions permit.

European Space Agency
http://www.esa.int/export/esaCP/index.ht ml