Problems with the satellite payload have delayed the latest scheduled Ariane 4 launch nearly a month, SpaceDaily has learned.
Arianespace launch officials at the Kourou Spaceport have delayed the Ariane V118 liftoff from the original schedule of 6pm EDT Wednesday April 28th to mid-May, due to problems with the launcher's satellite payload, the New Skies K-TV sat.
This delay is the second of the month for Arianespace. Earlier, the
fourth Ariane 5 flight and the first commercial mission was delayed due
to satellite production problems.
The delay in the Ariane 4 launch may make it difficult for the French rocket company to make 12 commercial launches during the 1999 calendar year.
There was no word at press time as to the nature of the payload
problem.
Ariane Reports At SpaceDaily
