Florida

TIMELINE: Historic launch scrubbed, windows set for this weekend

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The crowds who flocked to Central Florida to see the historic crewed launch say they’ll hang around this weekend, for the next launch.

See our in-depth coverage below:

Read live updates below:

Scrubbing launch was ‘the right decision,’ NASA administrator said

7:20 p.m. update

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said scrubbing the planned launch was “the right decision," but that they will try again on Saturday.

A second launch window is set for Saturday at 3:22 p.m. from Kennedy Space Center.

Hear what Bridenstine had to say below:

President Trump says he’ll return this weekend for rescheduled launch

6 p.m. update

President Donald Trump tweeted he will return to the Space Coast this weekend for the next launch window.

Wednesday’s launch was scrubbed about 17 minutes ahead of its planned 4:33 p.m. launch.

Two launch windows are set for this weekend: The first one at 3:22 p.m. Saturday, then another at 3 p.m. Sunday.

This weekend’s 2 launch windows

5:40 p.m. update

The next launch attempt will happen at 3:22 p.m. Saturday.

If weather or another issue were to scrub that launch, another attempt could happen at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Read: Return to space: Meet the astronauts set to liftoff from the Space Coast on Wednesday

Click here to download the free WFTV news app to be alerted once the rocket blasts off.

In the meantime, here are some songs and movies to get you pumped up for Saturday’s launch.

Watch video of Wednesday’s events below:


Rocket launch scrubbed

4:20 p.m. update

Wednesday’s historic Falcon 9 rocket launch has been scrubbed because of inclement weather.

The launch was called off with 16 minutes to go because of the danger of lightning.

Read: Preparing for liftoff: How to watch historic NASA, SpaceX launch

The next launch window will open at 3:22 p.m. Saturday.

Click here to watch live updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

Download the WFTV news app and watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for live updates on this developing story, or click here to have updates sent straight to your inbox.


Hatch on Crew Dragon closed

3:15 p.m. update

The Crew Dragon hatch was closed around 2:45 p.m. with astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley inside, awaiting the scheduled 4:33 p.m. launch.

President Trump arrives at Kennedy Space Center for launch

3:05 p.m. update

President Donald Trump has landed in Brevard County ahead of the historic launch.

The president, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence are touring the Vehicle Assembly Building.

President Trump is set to speak ahead of the launch.

>>CLICK HERE TO WATCH<<

The WFTV Facebook page also will live stream the launch.

Crews prepare astronauts for launch

2:10 p.m. update

Crews are strapping in astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley for Wednesday afternoon’s rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Center.

A tornado warning has been issued for northern Brevard County, but so far NASA and SpaceX continue to move forward with launch preparations.

>>> CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE <<<

Click here to watch the astronauts being strapped in, and click here to watch special live coverage on Channel 9 Eyewitness News, beginning at 3 p.m.


Astronauts head to the launch pad

1:40 p.m. update

Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are making their way to the launch pad ahead of this afternoon’s historic rocket launch.

It is the first time in nine years that astronauts have blasted off to space from American soil.

>>> CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE <<<

Stormy weather earlier Wednesday had many concerned that the launch would be scrubbed, but conditions have since improved.

NASA and SpaceX said they are moving forward with launch plans for now.

Read: 9 things to know about NASA’s 1st manned rocket launch in 9 years

Click here to watch the astronauts make their way to the launch pad, and click here to watch special live coverage on Channel 9 Eyewitness News, beginning at 3 p.m.

Download the WFTV news app and watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for live updates on this developing story, or click here to have updates sent straight to your inbox.


President Trump, First Lady depart from Washington D.C. to KSC

12:53 p.m. update

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are headed to Kennedy Space Center for today’s launch.

They are expected to arrive in Central Florida around 2:30 p.m.

12:25 p.m. update

Rain picks up near launch site

The rain has picked up a bit with cloudy conditions near the site of the crewed mission.

You can get a glimpse of the weather below during Channel 9′s live team coverage ahead of the launch.

Officials are continuing to monitor the conditions to determine if there will be a launch today.

Read: Preparing for liftoff: How to watch NASA, SpaceX launch Wednesday

50% chance of a launch

11:43 a.m. update

Space officials have confirmed there is now a lesser chance of a launch happening Wednesday afternoon, as conditions have been downgraded to a 50% chance of a “go.”

There was previously a 60% chance of a launch slated for 4:33 p.m.

See the rocket on the pad

11:15 a.m. update

Channel 9 has two cameras set up, so you can see the rocket on the pad ahead of Wednesday’s afternoon’s historic launch.

>>> CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE <<<


Crowds gather to view launch

9:31 a.m. update

Although space officials recommended that people view the launch from the comfort of their homes, that didn’t stop some fans from making the drive to see the launch live.

Space officials preferred fans to watch the launch virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic and adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Read: Local officials hope historic NASA, SpaceX launch brings boom to economy


All eyes on the forecast

9 a.m. update

NASA and SpaceX will attempt to launch two astronauts into space from Cape Canaveral Wednesday afternoon, if the weather permits.

As of 9 a.m., there remains a 60% chance of favorable weather conditions, according to space officials.

PHOTOS: Rocket launches from Central Florida

If the weather does not allow for a Wednesday launch, the historic launch will be pushed back to windows on May 30 and May 31.

The launch is set for a 4:33 p.m. liftoff.

Jason Kelly

Jason Kelly, WFTV.com

Jason Kelly joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2014. He serves as the station's Digital Executive Producer.

Christopher Boyce, WFTV.com

Christopher Boyce joined WFTV in January of 2019.