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SpaceX Flight 4 Launch Postponed

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the better-safe-than-exploded dept.

Matt_dk noted that yesterday's launch plans for SpaceX have hit some turbulence. He says "SpaceX Flight 4 Launch has been postponed. The static fire took place on Saturday [20 Sep 2008, CA time], as expected, and no major issues came up. However, after a detailed analysis of data, we decided to replace a component in the 2nd stage engine LOX supply line. There is a good chance we would be ok flying as is, but we are being extremely cautious. This adds a few extra days to the schedule, so the updated launch window estimate is now Sept 28th through Oct 1st [CA time]."

3 of 59 comments (clear)

  1. Re:More Wasteful then NASA? by Ritz_Just_Ritz · · Score: 5, Funny

    "I don't think even NASA replaces perfectly good parts."

    Yeah, better to just wait until they explode. Then you KNOW they needed to be replaced.

  2. Re:Put it in the documentary after you suceed by Teancum · · Score: 5, Informative

    In fairness to SpaceX.... they have been able to make it into space before. They did that on the previous two attempts. Their main problem was one of not being able to stay up there due to crazy problems with their second stage.

    I hope that they finally have figured that one out... and the last issue (having the rocket crash into itself and destroy the 2nd stage nozzle as a result) is something they are kicking themselves over even now.

    The rocket they have built is certainly more than capable of getting up to space and maintaining orbital velocities.

  3. Re:More Wasteful then NASA? by aussie_a · · Score: 5, Funny

    So how many miles did this part have on it? I thought they hadn't actually gotten into space.