Falcon 9 Launch Postponed to No Earlier Than Wednesday

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A demonstration launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program has been rescheduled for no earlier than Wednesday, Dec. 8. The delay is because of a crack in the engine nozzle on the rocket’s second stage.

During a routine review of close-out photos of the rocket on Monday, SpaceX engineers discovered the crack, which measures about three inches long. Preparations continue on the rocket at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 40 in Florida.

SpaceX is considering several options, including repairing the crack or shipping a replacement part from California. More information on the launch schedule will be announced when available.

To learn more about the COTS 1 launch, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/COTS