The SpaceX Dragon capsule will be carried aloft by the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket. The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
To watch the SpaceX launch, NASA television, along with the internet feed included below on this web page, will broadcast the launch with coverage beginning one hour earlier at 3:30 AM Eastern time.
Live video from your Android device on Ustream
According to the release from NASA, during the mission, “SpaceX’s Dragon capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including the capability to rendezvous and berth with the International Space Station (ISS). The primary objectives for the flight include a flyby of the space station at a distance of approximately 1.5 miles to validate the operation of sensors and flight systems necessary for a safe rendezvous and approach.”
As important as the rendezvous, will be a demonstration of the ability for the spacecraft to abort the rendezvous with the ISS. Only after both capabilities have been proven by the demonstration flights will the Dragon will be cleared to berth with the space station.