Historic SpaceX launch delayed due to weather

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A historic SpaceX launch to low-orbit Earth with commercial astronauts that was scheduled for Wednesday morning has been postponed due to weather.

A new time has not been announced.

SpaceX said the delay is because of “unfavorable” weather conditions off the coast of Florida in the splashdown areas.

Polaris Dawn was scheduled to lift off at 3:38 a.m. from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Backup opportunities are available at 5:23 a.m. and 7:09 a.m.

The same times are also available on Thursday, if needed.

The Dragon spacecraft and crew “will endeavor to reach the highest Earth orbit ever flown since the Apollo program and participate in the first-ever extravehicular activity (EVA) by commercial astronauts wearing SpaceX-developed EVA suits,” according to SpaceX.

The crew will conduct 36 experiments and studies “designed to advance both human health on Earth and during long-duration spaceflight, and test Starlink laser-based communications in space.”

Mission Pilot Kidd Poteet, Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis, Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Anna Menon and Mission Commander Jared Isaacman will be onboard the spacecraft.

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