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Boeing Delta II Set to Launch NASA's Mars Exploration Rover-A

ST. LOUIS, June 4, 2003 - A Boeing Delta II rocket is scheduled to
launch the first of two Mars Exploration Rover (MER) missions for
NASA on June 8. 

The launch of MER-A will occur at an instantaneous window of 2:05:55
p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Force
Station, Fla. A second launch opportunity exists on June 8 at 2:44:07
p.m. EDT, if necessary.

MER-A will be launched aboard a Delta II 7925-9.5 configuration
launch vehicle and will be deployed approximately 37 minutes after
liftoff. 

The second of the two missions, MER-B, is scheduled for launch on
June 25, also from Cape Canaveral.

The primary goals of the MER missions are to: determine if life
existed on Mars; characterize the climate of Mars; characterize the
geology of Mars; and prepare for human exploration of Mars.

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Contact:

Robert Villanueva (714) 372-2089
robert.s.villanueva{at}boeing.com
Madonna Walsh (314) 234-1362
madonna.a.walsh{at}boeing.com
Communications (714) 896-1301
Boeing Launch Hotline (714) 896-4770

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