On Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL, the first stage of the Boeing Delta II launch vehicle for the Deep Impact spacecraft is lifted into the mobile service tower for stacking with the other stages.

A decision has been made to reschedule the launch of the Deep Impact spacecraft to no earlier than Jan. 8 to allow more time for evaluation of mission software. While there are no significant problems associated

with the spacecraft hardware, additional time is necessary to be ready for launch. Spacecraft functional and mission readiness tests continue.

The stacking of the Boeing Delta II launch vehicle on Pad 17-B began on Nov. 22 with the hoisting of the first stage into the launcher. Hoisting of the nine strap-on solid rocket boosters, in sets of three, began on Nov. 23 and will continue on No v. 29 and Dec. 1. The second stage will be hoisted into position atop the first stage on Dec. 3.

Click here to see photos of the spacecraft being prepared for launch.