SapceX - Falcon 9 First Flight patch.
Dec. 7, 2010
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.
Second stage Merlin Vacuum engine for Falcon 9 Flight 2, preparing to leave the Hawthorne factory for Texas. Credit: SpaceX
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 is 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
Image, Text, Credits: NASA / SpaceX.
Greetings, Orbiter.ch
