SpaceX was scheduled to launch a cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station on August 28, with 4,800 pounds of supplies for the Expedition 65 crew. However, transferring cargo to the International Space Station will have to be completed tomorrow. Due to the weather, SpaceX needed to reschedule its launch by about 24 hours. The good news is that the storm did not affect the Dragon or the Falcon.
“Weather is a story that just keeps getting worse, unfortunately. We opened the show with a situation that had us at about a 60% chance of violating specifically to the cumulus cloud rule, but since our show has begun, we’ve had a couple of other issues pop up. We also are tracking now the attached anvil cloud rule and surface electric field rule,” NASA spokesman Joshua Santora explained.
The Dragon cargo is supposed to carry some much-needed equipment to the astronauts that live in the space station. The launch was carefully planned to ensure the launch vehicle safely delivers all cargo to the International Space Station. This will be mission number 23 for SpaceX to deliver cargo supplies for NASA. ISS program manager Joel Montalbano has declared that they are “excited to partner with SpaceX for this mission.”
The Dragon spacecraft has been modified in order to carry cargo better. It is similar to the Crew Dragon, but the systems needed for humans were removed this time, including cockpit or seats. These changes provide more space for the cargo. This launch will represent Dragon’s third mission in its modified form.
The launch will be live-streamed online on Sunday, August 29, at 3:14 a.m. EDT (0714 GMT) for those interested in the event. The spacecraft is expected to reach the space station on the same day, at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT).The live stream will be available on the website of SpaceX or on NASA TV.
