WORLD / AMERICAS
NASA, SpaceX postpone historic astronauts launch for weather reason
Published: May 28, 2020 10:21 AM

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Crew Dragon spacecraft onboard is seen on the launch pad at sunrise, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the United States, May 27, 2020. (Joel Kowsky/NASA/Handout via Xinhua)


NASA and SpaceX postponed historic launch of two astronauts to space from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday due to bad weather.

"Due to the weather conditions, the launch is scrubbing," NASA tweeted.

SpaceX said the launch was delayed due to unfavorable weather in the flight path.

The next launch opportunity is scheduled on Saturday, May 30 at 15:22 Eastern Time.

"No launch for today - safety for our crew members is our top priority," NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine tweeted.

The countdown was halted less than 17 minutes before the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was due to lift off from historic Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Propellant is offloading and the two astronauts are preparing to exit the vehicle, according to NASA.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will carry the Crew Dragon spacecraft and veteran NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station (ISS).

It will be the first time since 2011 that American astronauts launch on an American rocket from American soil to the ISS.

This is SpaceX's final test flight for NASA's Commercial Crew Program and will provide critical data on the performance of the Falcon 9 rocket, Crew Dragon spacecraft, and ground systems, as well as in-orbit, docking, and landing operations. 

Photo taken on May 23, 2020 shows NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley (L) and Robert Behnken participating in a dress rehearsal for launch at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the United States. NASA and SpaceX postponed historic launch of two astronauts to space from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday due to bad weather. (Kim Shiflett/NASA/Handout via Xinhua)


 

Photo taken on May 23, 2020 shows NASA astronaut Robert Behnken participating in a dress rehearsal for launch at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the United States. NASA and SpaceX postponed historic launch of two astronauts to space from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday due to bad weather. (Kim Shiflett/NASA/Handout via Xinhua)


 

Photo taken on May 23, 2020 shows NASA astronaut Douglas Hurley participating in a dress rehearsal for launch at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the United States. NASA and SpaceX postponed historic launch of two astronauts to space from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday due to bad weather. (Kim Shiflett/NASA/Handout via Xinhua)


 

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Crew Dragon spacecraft onboard is seen on the launch pad at sunrise, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the United States, May 27, 2020. NASA and SpaceX postponed historic launch of two astronauts to space from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday due to bad weather. (Joel Kowsky/NASA/Handout via Xinhua)