SpaceX has prepared for the Wednesday launch of the Falcon 9 carft. Although they were initially not expecting it to go well, the launch has been postponed at the last minute to cool off the rocket's propellant. The new craft is slated to take off on Thursday instead.
This private company initially planned to take off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Wednesday at 6:46 PM Eastern Time. However, the launch was postponed due to the company's decision to buy more time so the rocket can cool off, as stated in the Fortune. It is said to launch again this Thursday on the 26th of February.
The Falcon 9 will carry a European communications satellite named SES-9 which will cover the Asia-Pacific region once it operates in the orbit.
According to the SpaceX, SES-9 is the largest satellite dedicated to serve the region for SES. With its payload of 81 high-powered Ku-band transponder equivalents, SES-9 will be the 7th SES satellite to provide unparalleled coverage to over 20 countries in the region.
As reported by the Popular Science website, the company had briefly turned on the first stage of engines in a static test fire. So far, everything has gone according to the plan.
However, what lowers their expectation is the intention of SpaceX to land the rocket's first stage on an ocean platform that is based 400 miles offshore. The concern surrounds on the heavy satellite and the intended high geostationary orbit that will reduce chances of success, according to the company via The Verge. "Given this mission's unique GTO profile, a successful landing is not expected," the company said in a statement
This mission is said to have a different outlook than it was originally intended. Due to a SpaceX's rocket explosion on the 28th of June last year, the prior launch on September was delayed. The company has nearly succeeded also in January this year, but the rocket was not able to lock into place, making it tip over and eventually explode. The delayed launch marks their fourth attempt to launch and it can be streamed via SpaceX.
Compared to the earlier mission, this booster is said to move in a faster pace as it functions to lift the approximate 12,000-pound SES-9 satellite on its way to an orbit which ranges up to 22,300 miles over the equator.
SpaceX has gone under a $1.6 billion contract with NASA, where they will launch numerous cargo resupply missions to the ISS, including a plan to carry the crew as well. Their Falcon Heavy is currently under development.
SpaceX continues to work toward one of its key goals, such as developing reusable rockets, a feat that will transform space exploration by delivering highly reliable vehicles at radically reduced costs. Hopefully, the latest creation of SpaceX could be a phenomenal invention ever.
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