PHOTO: Rocket Launch Delayed
SpaceX, the Hawthorne developer of low-cost experimental rockets will delay the next launch of its Falcon 1 rocket.
The launch window, at a Pacific island complex, was to start today and continue until Thursday. The new launch window opens Sunday and continues to Oct. 1.
The decision to delay the launch came after Saturday's static fire test of the rocket. No major issues arose from that test, but a detailed analysis of the test data led SpaceX to replace a component in the second stage engine liquid oxygen supply line.
"There is a good chance we would be ok flying as is, but we are being extremely cautious," SpaceX founder Elon Musk said in an email.
Much is riding on this launch because if it fails, that would make it four launch failures in a row for the company. The firm has yet to complete a successful launch.