New Date for NASA / SpaceX Launch on Mission to International Space Station

New Date for NASA / SpaceX Launch on Mission to International Space Station

Dragon Spacecraft with Solar Panels deployed. Credit SpaceX

After some delays, NASA has announced that what will be the second demonstration rocket launch by SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies) has been rescheduled with a date set for this coming Saturday May 19, 2012. This second launch of NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) is scheduled for precisely 4:55 AM Eastern time.

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.

About D Robert Curry

D Robert Curry - with over 2 decades of experience in the IT sector and an avid aviator, Mr. Curry covers all Science & Technology and Aviation realted news stories. drcurry@newstaar.com