Arianespace postpones launch of military observation satellite in French Guiana

French Guiana launch of military satellite delayed

KOUROU, French Guiana — Officials have postponed the rocket launch of a military observation satellite for France’s defense ministry.

Arianespace says an anomaly in the launcher subsystem will push back the launch of the Helios 2B in French Guiana for a couple of days.

The problem was discovered Wednesday during the final countdown at the South American launch site.

The satellite was built by EADS Astrium for France’s National Space Study Center.

It is expected to take images that will help officials create maps, prepare for military exercises and in other tasks.

The satellite is to be the 33rd military payload lofted by Arianespace, the commercial arm of the 13-country European Space Agency.