Nothing goes according to the plan. Even though it’s a full proof plan, but still Problem comes without taking any permission! This time, accommodating more engineering tests of SpaceX’s Dragon is the reason to delay the launch first private rocket launch ‘Dragon’ to space station.
The California based Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) company wanted to launch its unmanned Dragon space capsule to the space station on February 7. But as some more engineering tests are left, they can’t launch on their desired date. But we got an approximate date when it’ll be launched. “It won’t be earlier than late March,” SpaceX spokesperson Kirstin Grantham told space.com.
“In preparation for the upcoming launch, SpaceX continues to conduct extensive testing and analysis,” SpaceX spokesperson Kirstin Grantham said in an E-mail statement. “We believe that there are a few areas that will benefit from additional work and will optimize the safety and success of this mission.”
As SpaceX has a $1.6 billion contract with NASA, it also want to deliver the project as soon as possible. Though, a new launch date for the mission has not been announced yet, but SpaceX officials said SpaceX is under negotiation with NASA to determine the best time for the test flight.
To be noted that, the Dragon capsule launched on its maiden flight in December 2010. Basically, it was SpaceX’s first test flight of the robotic vehicle. Besides, the spacecraft completed two orbits of Earth before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean with success.
Now that the Space Shuttle program has been retired. So, if NASA wants to work with the ISS it will need companies like SpaceX. Other than that, NASA has to depend on other nations to bring astronauts in and out of orbit.
Source : SPACE.com (1), SPACE.com (2), SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Image Credit : NASA
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