Mars Express radar deployment delayed

[United Press International]

PARIS, April 30 (UPI) -- The European Space Agency Friday
was advised to delay the deployment of the radar instrument on board
Mars Express, scheduled for this week.
The delay was sought because new computer models suggested
that, during deployment, the radar booms may swing back and forth
with more than previously expected.
If this happened, the booms might come too close to delicate
components of the spacecraft body.
Further simulations and tests were under way to better
understand the situation.
Simulations carried out four years ago by the radar boom's
maker, California-based Astro Aerospace, indicated the deployment
should be smooth, without significantly swinging back and forth.
Although a successful deployment is not in question, Mars
Express mission managers want to make sure the booms are not
subjected to excessive mechanical stress and that they do not
interfere with the spacecraft as they deploy.