Update: SpaceX decided to postpone the launch until no earlier than Friday out of “an abundance of caution.”
The team will undertake more data review, though SpaceX said in a tweet that the Falcon 9 rocket and spacecraft are “healthy.”
CEO Elon Musk chimed in with more details of what led to the postponed launch: “There was a tiny glitch in the motion of an upper stage engine actuator. Probably not a flight risk, but still worth investigating.”
We’ll report on any further developments as well as the launch and ocean landing attempt when they take place. Stay tuned.
Original article below…
It’s that time again! SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is prepping for another takeoff in just a few hours, and its all streaming live for the enjoyment of us amateur aeronautic enthusiasts.
Airing for two hours on YouTube at 5:40pm ET/9:40pm UTC, the launch will be webcast live from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station – with tomorrow, May 27 designated as a backup date in case of inclement conditions. Fingers crossed!
Falcon 9’s mission is two-fold: deploy a commercial communications satellite for Asian satellite operator Thaicom into orbit, and then the tricky part: stick the landing.
Like other recent SpaceX launches, the Falcon 9 will be attempting a landing at sea upon a drone ship – something the space program has only recently been able to pull off accurately.
Should the Falcon 9 be able to consistently return in one piece after launch, reusable rocket systems will become a huge step for both Elon Musk’s company and reducing the cost barrier of space travel.
We’ve covered SpaceX’s exploits several times in the past, both triumphant and not-so-successful, but we can’t help being excited each time Falcon 9 steps up to the plate. It’s space travel, people!
Source: techradar.com
