Supply Ship’s Flight To Iss Likely To Be Put Off

BAIKONUR. Oct 15 (Interfax-Kazakhstan) – The launch of a Progress supply ship to the International Space Station, the forth since the beginning of 2003, is likely to be postponed from its earlier set November launch date.

“Preparations for the launch were to begin in early October, but the spaceship has not been brought to the launch pad to this day, most probably because of financial problems. The launch is likely to be put off until January 2004,” a representative of the Energiya space corporation told Interfax.

He noted, however, that no official statements have been made on postponing the launch.

Meanwhile, an official with the Rosaviakosmos aviation and space agency has not confirmed the reports regarding the launch’s postponement.

Two manned spacecraft and four supply ships were to be launched in 2003 under the International Space Station project.