The first launch of SpaceX’s pre-flown Dragon cargo capsule has been delayed due to lightening. The lightning strike occurred just 25 minutes before the slated launch time on June 1. The launch is now expected to take place on Saturday (June 3).
The Commercial Resupply Services mission (CRS-11) was scheduled to launch atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, but lightning near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, forced NASA to call off the launch.
“Standing down due to lightning. Backup launch opportunity on Saturday, June 3, at 5:07 p.m. EDT or 21:07 UTC,” SpaceX representatives said today via Twitter.
According to NASA, the launch site and surrounding area must be “clear” of lightning for at least 30 minutes before liftoff.
The Dragon capsule will carry with it about 6,000 lbs. (2,700 kilograms) of scientific experiments, hardware, usual food, drink, and other supplies to ISS. The Dragon capsule is carrying materials for over 250 science and research investigations to be carried out by astronauts over the next year. The capsule will also deliver the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER), which will become a permanent fixture at ISS. NICER contains 56 X-ray “concentrator” optics to detect emissions from distant neutron stars.
This particular Dragon had earlier flown to the ISS back in September 2014. SpaceX now wants to develop and deploy fully and rapidly reusable spaceflight systems to slash space mission costs.
The launch on June 3 will use a new Falcon 9 rocket. After delivery it will return to earth and land at SpaceX’s Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
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