The BRICS TimesBad weather at the Florida launch site has forced NASA and SpaceX to delay the Dragon cargo ship’s liftoff the second postponement in a single week for the long-awaited supply run to the International Space Station.
Weather Strikes Again CRS-34 Launch Slips to Friday
NASA and SpaceX have once again delayed the Dragon cargo spacecraft’s trip to the International Space Station. Persistent bad weather over Florida forced teams to push the launch back this time to Friday, May 15. The decision came after conditions at the launch pad stayed unfavorable well into Thursday.
Elon Musk’s company confirmed the delay on social media platform X, writing: “Scrubbing today’s CRS-34 launch to the ISS due to unfavorable weather at the launch site. Now targeting Friday, May 15.”
A New Launch Window Set for Friday Morning
NASA confirmed that liftoff is now targeted no earlier than 6:18 PM Eastern Time on Friday, May 15 which translates to 3:35 AM India Standard Time on Saturday, May 16. Teams will monitor conditions closely as the new launch window approaches.
Second Delay in Just One Week
This marks the second time this week that CRS-34 has slipped its schedule. The mission was originally slated to launch on Tuesday. It then moved to Wednesday but stubborn weather conditions forced SpaceX and NASA teams to push it back yet again. The back-to-back delays highlight just how much Florida’s unpredictable weather can challenge even the most carefully planned launch timelines.
Three Tonnes of Science and Supplies Heading to the Station
Once Dragon finally lifts off, it will deliver roughly three tonnes of cargo to the ISS crew. The shipment includes food, equipment, and materials for a range of scientific experiments. Among the key research areas studies aimed at developing better treatments for osteoporosis, as well as investigations into space weather patterns. Both research areas hold significant long-term value not just for life in orbit, but for human health and safety back on Earth.
