Falcon 9 Launch Postponed To No Earlier Than Wednesday

Michael Braukus

Headquarters, Washington     

 

George H. Diller

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

 

Josh Byerly

Johnson Space Center, Houston

 

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A demonstration launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program has been rescheduled for no earlier than Wednesday, Dec. 8. The delay is because of a crack in the engine nozzle on the rocket's second stage.

During a routine review of close-out photos of the rocket on Monday, SpaceX engineers discovered the crack, which measures about three-inches long. Preparations continue on the rocket at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 in Florida.

SpaceX scientists considering several options, including repairing the crack or shipping a replacement part from California. More information on the launch schedule will be announced when available.

To learn more about the COTS 1 launch, visit http://www.nasa.gov/cots.

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