Rosetta launch postponed

Paris, 14 Jan 2003

Having considered the conclusions of the Review Board set up to advise on the launch of Rosetta, Arianespace and the European Space Agency have decided on a postponement.

The Review Board called for Arianespace and all its partners to make sure, in the framework of a programme for the resumption of Ariane 5 flights, that all Ariane 5 system qualification and review processes have been checked.

Arianespace and the European Space Agency, together with all interested parties, are now going to consult each other in order to determine arrangements for the soonest possible launch of Rosetta.

For further information, please contact:

ESA Media Relations Service
Tel.: +33(01)1.53.69.7155
Fax: +33(01)1.53.69.7690

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