SpaceX rocket launch from Cape Canaveral to deliver cargo to ISS Friday
Updated with the SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral being postponed until Friday, April 10.
As Artemis II cruises on its journey home, SpaceX has plans to launch a rocket from Cape Canaveral -- sending a delivery to the astronauts on the International Space Station.
While rain moves through the area, the Falcon 9 rocket launch is now set for 8:03 a.m. Friday, April 10, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission, known as NG-24, is a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket sending a Northrop Grumman Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station.
Due to the mission targeting the orbiting space station, the launch must occur on time. If needed, SpaceX has a backup opportunity at 7:41 a.m. Saturday, April 11.
The Cygnus XL spacecraft will be packed with 11,000 pounds of supplies and science for the astronauts currently onboard the station. The full name of the mission is NASA's Northrop Grumman Commercial Resupply Services 24, or Northrop Grumman CRS-24. The companies are both contracted under the NASA Commercial Resupply Services.
Northrop Grumman named the spacecraft after NASA astronaut Steven R. Nagel, who completed four shuttle missions and spent more than 720 hours in space.
A Brevard County sonic boom will follow the liftoff, as the rocket's booster will return to Landing Zone 40, which is located near the launch site.
This is only the second time SpaceX is utilizing this new landing site, having moved operations from the former Landing Zones 1 and 2 further south in Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. It was the Feb. 13 SpaceX NASA Crew-12 mission which saw the first booster landing at the location -- a sight that wowed spectators as the booster landed right near where it had launched.
The FLORIDA TODAY Space Team will provide live updates beginning 90 minutes before liftoff at FloridaToday.com/Space.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at [email protected] or on X: @brookeofstars.