The SpaceX manufactured Falcon 9 has already had its launch delayed no less than four times, with the next attempt being scheduled to take place on March 4th, 2016. The mission that is supposed to carry out an SES-9 communications satellite up into outer space has not had the best run so far, with the launch continually being delayed due to both technical issues and unfavorable weather conditions.
This time around, the engineers and scientists in charge of the Falcon 9 launch believe that, given the already fixed technical issues, the rocket could finally be sent into outer space tomorrow. The last two attempts were postponed due to uncertainty and a lack of a good window to do it in. The launch had been possible on Tuesday in a window starting with 6:35 PM and ending with 8:05 PM but was unfortunately not gone through with due to physical and technical limitations. Prior to that, the Wednesday last week, fuel temperatures got into the way, and Friday was a no-go due to unfavorable winds.
The Falcon 9 rocket is a SpaceX construction, currently located at the Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral and carries the SES-9 satellite, weighting 11,600 pounds. While the mission is not of a staggering magnitude, the launch seems to have been hindered by a multitude of factors and the scientists do not wish to risk failure.
The rocket will be sent out using cryogenic propellant, a type of fuel that does not leave room for anything but perfection in execution. Because of the need that the fuel is kept at a low temperature in order to maintain its density, it becomes vital for everything to be kept in check and under control to avoid irregularities and malfunction.
The SES-9 satellite is planned to operate in geostationary orbit around the Earth, positioning itself in the orbital slot at 108.2 degrees’ east longitude and will be able to provide communication services to the Asia-Pacific region. That sums up video, commercial, government, and mobile communication for about 20 different countries.
Many improvements have already been made to the rocket’s systems, according to all the data gathered from the previous attempts. As long as the wind conditions on Friday are favorable for a launch, March 4th may just be the day when it finally takes place.
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