KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — SpaceX is set to launch its Falcon 9 rocket to deliver science material and other supplies to the International Space Station this weekend.
Friday morning update:
NASA and SpaceX are still planning a Falcon 9 rocket launch to the ISS early Saturday morning.
But as crews on the ground and in space get ready, all eyes will be on the skies as weather concerns may cause the launch to be scrubbed.
🚀🧪 Join us tomorrow, Aug. 27, for two prelaunch events as are we prepare for @SpaceX's 23rd cargo resupply services mission. The prelaunch news conference will begin at 12 p.m. ET with a "What's on Board" video airing immediately after: https://t.co/KeGd7YjkD8 pic.twitter.com/n0DxrvVe7v
— NASA's Kennedy Space Center (@NASAKennedy) August 26, 2021
After originally reporting that the weather for the 3:37 a.m. launch was 60% favorable, the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s 45th Weather Squadron said Friday there is now only a 40% chance of favorable weather.
NASA and SpaceX officials plan to hold an update at 12 p.m. to give more details on the mission.
Channel 9 will continue to monitor updates on this launch and share the latest reports on Eyewitness News.
Original report:
SpaceX is set for its 23rd cargo supply mission to the International Space Station this weekend.
The launch, which is part of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services mission, is planned for Saturday at 3:37 a.m. from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Officials said the weather is currently 60% favorable for launch, with a chance for clouds and rain as the only concerns.
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SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Dragon spacecraft into low-Earth orbit and will later dock with the ISS.
Officials said the spacecraft will deliver “a variety of NASA science investigations, including a study on preventing and treating bone density loss, an investigation that will test diagnostic devices that could detect and mitigate vision disorders, and a new robotic arm for demonstration that could reveal potential uses on Earth, including in disaster relief.”
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SpaceX said the Dragon will also deliver materials including concrete, fiberglass composites, and substances that can offer protection against radiation to investigate how they respond to the harsh environment of space.
On Aug. 28 at 3:37 a.m. ET, @SpaceX's cargo Dragon spacecraft will launch to the @Space_Station to deliver new science investigations, supplies and equipment for the international crew.
— NASA's Kennedy Space Center (@NASAKennedy) August 21, 2021
📺 Prelaunch events start on Aug. 27. Here's how you can tune in: https://t.co/KeGd7YjkD8 pic.twitter.com/8KHOc6F39D
Nanofluidic and educational experiments will be conducted in the new research facility aboard the orbiting laboratory, officials said.
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Channel 9 will continue to monitor this planned launch and provide updates on the mission on Eyewitness News.
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