Wednesday, April 25, 2012

SpaceX Moves ISS Launch To May 7th

SpaceX, the developer of commercial rockets and spacecraft based in Hawthorne, has delayed its launch--again--of its mission to dock its Dragon spacecraft with the International Space Station (ISS), according to NASA. NASA said that SpaceX has delayed launch of its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from April 30th to May 7th. The flight will be the first time a commercially developed spacecraft has docked with the ISS. SpaceX, which is headed by technology mogul Elon Musk, has been aiming at demonstrating that it can deliver cargo to the ISS--with an ultimate goal of delivering astronauts into space. NASA said "We appreciate that SpaceX is taking the necessary time to help ensure the success of this historic flight" in announcing the delay. The SpaceX spacecraft will be carrying about 1,200 pounds of cargo to the ISS.