Florida

Problems delay Mars rover launch again

NASA delayed the launch of its second Mars rover after problems resurfaced Sunday with the cork insulation on the rover’s rocket.

The launch was reset for 10:17 p.m. CDT Wednesday.

The band of cork, designed to insulate the rocket from excessive heat, wasn’t sticking to the skin of the rocket, causing gaps that could lead to damage during liftoff, said George Diller, a NASA spokesman at the Kennedy Space Center.

The problem was found during overnight inspections after wind conditions forced the launch to be scrubbed twice late Saturday and early Sunday.

Miami

Tropical Storm Bill forms in Gulf of Mexico

The second named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season formed Sunday in the Gulf of Mexico, and storm warnings were issued from Texas to Mississippi.

Tropical Storm Bill had sustained winds of 50 mph and was centered about 260 miles south of Morgan City, La., Sunday evening, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical storm warnings were issued from High Island, Texas, to Pascagoula, Miss.

Some strengthening was expected but the storm was not forecast to become a hurricane before it reaches land, possibly as early as today, hurricane specialist Miles Lawrence said.