ABOVE VIDEO:A SpaceX resupply mission to the International Space Station is targeted for 12:45 a.m. EDT tonight from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
Weather Forecast 90 Percent ‘Go’ For Launch
NASA –The 45th Space Wing supported SpaceX’s successful launch of a Falcon 9 Dragon spacecraft headed to the International Space Station from Space Launch Complex 40 here July 18, 2016, at 12:45 a.m. ET.
At approximately eight minutes after the launch, SpaceX successfully landed the Falcon 9 first-stage booster at Landing Zone 1 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The flyback mission was the second successful one for SpaceX following its historic first landing of a first-stage booster on Landing Zone 1 in December 2015.
This Falcon 9 Dragon launch was the 13th major launch operation for the Eastern Range this year, and marks the ninth contracted mission by SpaceX under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services contract.
A combined team of military, government civilians and contractors from across the 45th Space Wing provided support to the mission, including weather forecasts, launch and range operations, security and safety.
Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith
“I am proud of the integrated team who worked together flawlessly to make this launch a success,” said Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, 45th Space Wing commander, who served as the mission’s Launch Decision Authority.
“Everyone’s hard work and dedication paid off today. This mission once again clearly demonstrates the successful collaboration we have with our mission partners at NASA and SpaceX as we continue to shape the future of America’s space operations, and serve as the World’s Premier Gateway to Space.”
NASA astronaut Kate Rubins will serve as the backup. Ground controllers will send commands for the station’s robotic arm to install Dragon on the Earth-facing side of the Harmony module.
By the next day, the crew will pressurize the vestibule between the station and Dragon, and then open the hatch that leads to the forward bulkhead of Dragon.
SpaceX CRS-9 is scheduled to deliver nearly 5,000 pounds of supplies and payloads to the station, including critical materials to directly support dozens of the more than 250 science and research investigations that will occur during Expeditions 48 and 49.
During the next five weeks, crew members will unload the spacecraft and reload it with cargo to return to Earth. About five-and-a-half hours after it departs the station Aug. 29, it will splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California.
The 45th Space Wing Public Affairs Office and NASA contributed to this report.
SpaceX’s successful launch of a Falcon 9 Dragon spacecraft headed to the International Space Station from Space Launch Complex 40 here July 18, 2016, at 12:45 a.m. ET.
SpaceX CRS-9 L-2 Day Launch Weather Forecast
• The Probability of Weather Prohibiting Launch: 10%
• Primary Concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Flight through Precipitation
Weather remains 90 percent favorable for liftoff of the scheduled launch of next SpaceX resupply mission to the International Space Station, targeted for 12:45 a.m. EDT Monday, July 18, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. (NASA.gov image)
