MEMO TO SCIENCE AND ASSIGNMENT EDITORSThe June 7 launch of the High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager, or HESSI, satellite - a joint mission between the University of California, Berkeley, and NASA - has been delayed until June 12 at the earliest because of possible problems with the rocket that will put it into orbit. The delay will give NASA time to complete an investigation of the June 2 launch of an experimental space plane called the X-43A, which was destroyed when a similar Pegasus XL rocket failed shortly after launch.
UC Berkeley's Media Relations Office issued a press release and advisory last week about HESSI, inviting reporters to a June 6 science briefing on campus. That briefing is now on hold until NASA schedules a new launch date. An advisory will be posted when more information becomes available.
