SpaceX Delays Falcon 9 Launch To Tuesday 43
An anonymous reader writes "SpaceX has cancelled the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket after identifying a potential concern during preflight testing. This is the third straight day technical issues or weather have caused a delay. "Today's Orbcomm launch attempt has been scrubbed to address a potential concern identified during pre-flight checks," a SpaceX spokesperson said in a statement. "The vehicle and payload are in good condition, and engineering teams will take the extra time to ensure the highest possible level of mission assurance prior to flight," the statement said. The rocket is now scheduled for a Tuesday launch."
Re:Another another delay? (Score:4, Interesting)
There are a lot of things that cause delays. For instance, it is my understanding that the payload (the 6 sats) needs to be checked before launch. The payload can say that it's not ready to launch. That's not SpaceX's fault. Weather sure isn't SpaceX's fault. Neither was the Air Force downrange radar (required to ensure that rockets aren't off-course) failing a couple of months ago. Also not SpaceX's fault is when other launches are delayed and interfere with everyone's schedules.
The Canaveral area is pretty damn busy. That's one of the reasons they're trying to get a launch center at Boca Chica in the southern tip of Texas.
And when it is their "fault", it's better for the rocket to say that something is wrong before launch and scrub, than to launch and remove all doubt that something is wrong by blowing up.