Space X had to scrub the launch today - May 19 - to the International Space Station (ISS).
The attempted launch of the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft was scrubbed "moments after its engines ignited when computers detected higher pressure readings than allowed. The center engine (#5) pressure built above limits and a shutdown occurred one-half second before liftoff, SpaceX officials said."
The next launch date will be no earlier than May 22nd. Engine 5 will have to be inspected to determine the cause of the problem and affect repairs. Engine 5 had started nominally with the other engines but then the chamber pressure started to increase which Space X officials thought may be related to fuel flow to the engine being too low.
This flight to the ISS is a test flight to show that the Dragon spacecraft can carry cargo and dock with ISS. If successful, the docking of the Dragon spacecraft would be the first ever by a privately owned spacecraft. It would also signify that commercial spaceflight is a viable option for NASA which has made commercial spaceflight a cornerstone in overall spaceflight program.
Read More About It: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_abort.html
Sky Guy in VA
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