Wednesday, May 2, 2012

SpaceX launch delayed again

The launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 is being delayed again while software issues are worked out. The rocket, carrying the Dragon capsule, is the first attempt by a private company to send cargo to the International Space Station. It was originally scheduled for April 30, delayed until May 7 and now delayed again. SpaceX has a $1.6 billion NASA contract to fly 12 cargo missions to the ISS. Orbital Sciences has a similar contract and is developing a rocket for a test flight this summer from Wallops Islands, Va. (Sources: multiple, including AFP via Space Travel, Washington Post, Huntsville Times, 05/02/12) Gulf Coast note: NASA's Stennis Space Center, Miss., tests rocket engines for commercial companies, including Orbital Sciences. Previous