Launch SpaceX Falcon 9 - CRS 19

[WesL]

SpaceX was to launch the CRS 19 resupply mission to the ISS today but it looks like the upper-level winds were not in their favor and forced a scrub. Offshore conditions for the drone recovery ship were less than ideal as well. They have another launch window tomorrow (Dec 5) at 11:29am central time.

Tomorrow's wind profile looks better but they have an issue with clouds. As of right now the Air Force Space Flight Meteorology group gives them an 80% chance of favorable conditions in their new launch window.

 

[StormStalker]

Sucesssful launch and dragon capsule has docked with the ISS.

 

[WesL]

Apparently there was an add on mission to this launch. After the Dragon capsule separated, SpaceX re-lit the second stage engine and pushed it to a much higher orbit. This was apparently an effort to get SpaceX certified for special DoD related missions that could require the need for the higher orbit and the ability to help hide the destination orbit by pausing in a temporary parking orbit and moving to a higher destination orbit later on. SpaceX noted the exercise was a success.