SpaceX Pushes Back Robotic Mission for Next Dragon Cargo Launch

SpaceX and NASA are prepping for the upcoming launch of the Dragon cargo to the International Space Station (ISS). However, they decided to push back the launch by two days.

SpaceX, NASA Delays Dragon Cargo Launch

The initial plan was for NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida to host the robotic SpaceX mission, CRS-29, to launch on Sunday night (Nov. 5). However, the scheduled launch was rescheduled from Wednesday (Nov. 1) to Tuesday (Nov. 7) to give prelaunch procedures additional time. But, the launch was moved again to Thursday (Nov. 9). A problem with one of the Dragon's Draco thrusters is the cause of the most recent delay.

Additionally, NASA authorities announced a two-day delay on Thursday evening (Nov. 2), saying that it would allow for "completion of final prelaunch closeout ahead of liftoff."

If all proceeds as planned, the Dragon will launch atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Nov. 9 at 8:28 p.m. EST. It is expected to arrive at the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday (Nov. 11) morning.

Teams discovered an NTO (nitrogen tetroxide oxidizer) leak in a Draco thruster valve during the first propellant load before the CRS-29 mission. As per customary protocol, this necessitated pausing operations to conduct troubleshooting.

NASA officials stated in the Thursday evening update that after the crew examined the valve and related data, they decided to replace the thruster.

Throughout the process, SpaceX has kept NASA updated, and the collaborative team chose to reschedule the launch to accommodate the first part replacement and ensuing system checkouts and data reviews.

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About CRS-29 Mission

CRS-29 is SpaceX's 29th commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station (ISS). SpaceX's Dragon will carry over 6,500 pounds of cargo to provide the space station with hardware, crew supplies, and scientific research to support the crew of Expedition 70. Among the items it will be delivering are NASA's Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) and the Integrated Laser Communications Relay Demonstration Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T).

Before returning to Earth with 3,800 pounds of return cargo and a month-long stay tethered to the orbiting laboratory, the spacecraft is planned to splash down off the coast of Florida.

There are currently three robotic spacecraft, including the Dragon. They are used to transport cargo to the orbiting lab. However, it is the only one capable of returning equipment to Earth from the ISS. The Dragon can be reused, while the other two freighters, the Progress boat from Russia and the Cygnus spacecraft from Northrop Grumman, are intended to burn up in the Earth's atmosphere when their orbit is completed.