Space Station Launch SpaceX Fuels Private Rocket,
SpaceX has become the first private firm to launch a craft to the International Space Station after fixing an engine problem that grounded an earlier attempt.
The countdown went to zero and ignition of all nine engines began, with flame curling beneath the rocket. But it quickly extinguished, as a computer detected that one of the engines was running too hot, and ignition was shut down with a half-second to spare.
Liftoff did not occur and the rocket remained standing on the launch pad at Canaveral Air Force Station Saturday morning.
The failed 4:55 a.m. launch means that SpaceX cannot try again before Tuesday at 3:44 a.m., and that's only if the Saturday morning attempt does not reveal any major problems.
A private company will launch a rocket to the International Space Station, sending it on a grocery run this weekend that could be the shape of things to come for America's space program.
No comments:
Post a Comment