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NASA satellite launch postponed due to technical problems
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    • WASHINGTON, April 27 (AFP) Apr 27, 2006
     The US space agency NASA postponed the launch of two satellites, designed to help unlock the secrets of Earth's cloud cover, due to technical problems, officials said early Thursday.

    The CloudSat and CALIPSO satellites were scheduled to blast off at 1002 GMT Thursday from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, but the launch has been delayed for at least 24 hours, NASA announced.

    "The scrub is due to a suspect nitrogen temperature sensor on the rocket's second stage that may require replacement," said spokesman Bruce Buckingham.

    The launch is now scheduled for 1002 GMT Friday at the earliest. NASA engineers will make a decision later in the day if more time is needed, Buckingham said.

    Launches have been scrubbed since last Friday due to technical or weather problems.

    The satellites are expected to help answer questions about how clouds spread and deliver precipitation around the globe, as well as how they affect Earth's atmosphere.




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