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Bugs in software seem certain to hold up the launch of NASA’s next big space
telescope, the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility. The programs involved are
supposed to control the thrusters keeping the telescope in its correct position
if it has to enter “safe mode”. The emergency shutdown is triggered when the
craft suffers a malfunction or loses contact with ground control. NASA officials
are predicting a three or four-week delay from the scheduled launch of 21
January 1999, although the next flight opportunity may not be until 18
March.