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    Watch SpaceX send Falcon 9 into space (Update: Cancelled)

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    It’s not everyday a private company sends a rocket into space, today is one of those days. One of Elon Musk’s companies, SpaceX is sending Falcon 9 into space once again, the launch is being live streamed and schedule for take off in just a few minutes..

    Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. Falcon 9 made history in 2012 when it delivered Dragon into the correct orbit for rendezvous with the International Space Station, making SpaceX the first commercial company ever to visit the station.

    Since then SpaceX has made a total of three flights to the space station, both delivering and returning cargo for NASA. For those playing at home, the 9 engines will burn for 180 seconds creating a thrust of 5,885kN1 (323,000 lbf). Falcon 9 weighs 505,846kg, is 68.4m high and 3.7m in diameter.

    Update
    SpaceX have temporarily halted the launch while they investigate an issue. There’s a small launch window where conditions are right, that window is just 55 minutes, so if the issue can’t be resolved quickly, the launch may be postponed. To date, Falcon 9 has a great record of 6 out of 6 successful launches.

    Update 2
    SpaceX are recycling the launch process and are now at T-13 minutes. The solution sounded pretty simple, they needed to change the telemetry limit on a power supply.

    Update 3
    The launch has been halted again at T-3:40.

    Update 4
    The launch window has expired and SpaceX have cancelled today’s launch.

    The next opportunity for launch is this Thursday (US time), Friday Australian time.

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    They are live streaming the event at http://www.spacex.com/webcast/

    techau
    techauhttp://techAU.com.au
    This post is authored by techAU staffers. Used rarely and sparingly when the source decided to keep their identity secret, or a guest author who isn't seeking credit.

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