MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICE
JET PROPULSION LABORATORY
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
PASADENA, CALIF. 91109. TELEPHONE (818) 354-5011
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov

NASA's Mars Climate Orbiter, to be launched atop a Delta II rocket, has been cleared for launch on Friday, December 11. The software controlling the spacecraft's electrical system, which caused a one-day launch delay, has been reviewed and a recommended change is being made today. The launch opportunities on Friday open at 1:45:51 p.m. and 2:52:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

The launch weather officer predicts a 30-percent chance of not meeting the launch weather criteria on Friday. There is the possibility of an isolated shower in the vicinity and some concern over clouds in the area or in the Delta's flight path at the time of launch.

NASA Television coverage of the launch will begin at 12:30 p.m. EST and will be shared with coverage of international space station mission activities. However, audio coverage of the Mars Climate Orbiter launch will be available continuously on the following phone numbers: (407) 867-1260, (407) 867-7135, (407) 867-4003 and (407) 867-4920.