Venus spacecraft 'in good shape'

Published: Oct 26, 2005
Source: news.bbc.co.uk



Europe's first mission to Venus should be ready for lift-off by the end of the week, officials have confirmed.

Wednesday's planned launch was delayed when contamination was found inside the Russian made rocket.

Inspections show the spacecraft is in good condition and should be cleaned up within days, the European Space Agency (Esa) said.

A new launch date has yet to be set for the probe, which will blast off aboard a Russian rocket from Baikonur.

The launch was postponed on Friday when particles of contaminating material were discovered inside the rocket fairing.continue..