A lightning strike in Merritt Island was deemed too problematic to allow a launch at Kennedy Space Center Thursday.
- SpaceX using recycled Dragon capsule
- Several scientific projects headed to ISS
- RELATED: Rocket Launch Schedule
The next launch attempt will be Saturday at 5:07 p.m.
A lightning strike hit in Merritt Island, violating the range with 25 minutes to go before the launch. Since the lightning strike would require crews to wait 30 minutes before it was safe, and the launch was supposed to go right at 5:55 p.m., the launch was scrubbed.
Standing down due to lightning. Backup launch opportunity on Saturday, June 3 at 5:07 p.m. EDT or 21:07 UTC.
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 1, 2017
SpaceX will use a recycled Dragon capsule for the first time when it launches. The private space company has successfully sent a reused rocket booster into space, but this is the first time SpaceX has used a capsule, which carries cargo and scientific experiments to the International Space Station.
The Dragon first flew to the space station in 2014. The refurbishment included a new heat shield and fresh parachutes. SpaceX is trying to reuse as much of the vehicles as possible in a money-saving effort on flights.
The Dragon will be packed with 6,000 pounds of cargo, including several scientific and medical projects.
Among the new technology on board is a new type of solar array that is lighter and better able to be stored. The hope is the Roll-out Solar Array will provide power for future NASA space vehicles for operations near the moon or for missions to Mars and beyond.
Dragon is also sending mice to the space station to help test a new drug to help rebuild bone and block further bone loss from osteoporosis while in space. The results could also lead to new drugs to treat bone density loss for millions on Earth, as well.
Fruit flies are also going to the ISS to study cardiovascular changes in space. The flies have a genetic makeup with similarities to humans. They also age rapidly, which makes them a good model to study in microgravity.
The Dragon is the only unmanned supply ship that returns to Earth. The others are filled with trash and burn up on re-entry.
The Falcon 9 rocket is expected to lift off from Launch Complex 39A at Kenendy Space Center.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this story.