SpaceX once more delayed the launch of its Falcon 9 rocket with six Orbcomm telecommunication satellites aboard on Saturday — and stirred up some grumbling in the process.
On Friday, a potential problem with tank pressure forced a postponement. On Saturday, SpaceX said it would not webcast the countdown, and few updates were provided from the launch site at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Most of the information came from the U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing, and not from SpaceX. That sparked a new Twitter hashtag: #FalconNein.
An update on SpaceX's website said that the launch was called off due to unacceptable weather. Orbcomm, meanwhile, said the next launch window would open at 5:30 p.m. ET Sunday.
Like the Falcon 9 v1.1 rocket that blasted off in April, this rocket is designed to relight its first stage after separation to slow its descent. Then it would unfold its landing legs for a "soft splashdown" in the Atlantic. It's one of the technologies SpaceX is testing for rocket reusability.
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IN DEPTH
- SpaceX Aims to Blaze New Trail for Rocket Technology
- Cargo Launch and Rocket Test Add Up to 'Happy Day' for SpaceX
- Mission Status Center for Orbcomm OG2 Launch (Spaceflight Now)
SOCIAL
— Alan Boyle, NBC News
