SpaceX has confirmed a planned Sunday launch of a Dragon space capsule loaded with supplies and food for astronauts in orbit has been delayed until at least March 30, according to Space.com.
SpaceX was preparing to launch a Falcon 9 rocket on March 16 carrying the robotic Dragon spacecraft toward the International Space Station, from Florida.
The launch will be the firm's third delivery mission for NASA under its current $1.6 billion contract.
Due to "remaining open items," SpaceX is now pushing for a March 30 launch, with April 2 as a backup launch date.
"Both Falcon 9 and Dragon are in good health," SpaceX officials said in a statement announcing the delay. "Given the critical payloads on board and significant upgrades to Dragon, the additional time will ensure SpaceX does everything possible on the ground to prepare for a successful launch."
SpaceX launches its Dragon missions to the space station from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Its first Dragon mission took place in 2010, and the firm has since flown two of its 12 cargo missions under its NASA deal since.
The latest mission, titled "Commercial Resupply Services 3 (CRS-3), was set to launch at 4:41 a.m. to start a month long trip to the ISS, according to Space.com.
The capsule was set to return to Earth on April 17, a date that will now be pushed back depending on the new launch date.
The CRS-3 Dragon is loaded with over 4,600 lbs. of gear and supplies, which includes 150 experiments for the ISS's Expedition 39 crew, and its follow-up Expedition 40 increment, according to Space.com.
SpaceX is one of two U.S. spaceflight companies launching flights to the ISS for NASA.
The capsule is expected to return with over 3,600 lbs. of experiments, cargo, and other gear to Earth, according to SpaceX.
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