New Delhi:
After a series of major setbacks in it's earlier attempts, American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company SpaceX has launched its 13th commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for NASA on Friday.
The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
It is the first time that SpaceX flies a Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft that have both been used before.
According to meteorologists, the launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon spacecraft face a 90 percent chance of favourable weather.
Carrying about 4,800 pounds of cargo including critical science and research equipment, the Dragon spacecraft will spend a month attached to the space station.
The Falcon 9 rocket is launched with an aim to carry investigation that could help lower the risk to human life and critical hardware by orbital debris, NASA said.
It will also deliver crew supplies, equipment and other scientific research to crew members living and working aboard the station.
One such investigation will attempt to pull fiber optic wire from ZBLAN, a heavy metal fluoride glass commonly used to make fiber optic glass.
Webcast of Falcon 9 launch is now live → https://t.co/gtC39uBC7z
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 15, 2017
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Earlier, in November, one of their latest rocket's engines blew up due to unknown reasons.
Though no one was injured during its 'qualification test' in McGregor, Texas and all the safety protocols were followed by the company, the unexpected occurrence took place leaving everyone shocked.
Moreover, this is not the first time that the American space agency has failed to complete its mission.
In 2015, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket exploded a few minutes after liftoff from Cape Canaveral en route with an aim to deliver cargo to the International Space Station. During the process, no one was on board and injured.
Falcon 9 and Dragon went vertical on SLC-40 early this morning. Weather is 90% favorable for today’s launch at 10:36 a.m. EST, 15:36 UTC. pic.twitter.com/8i5Gxy9zhr
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 15, 2017
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Another Falcon 9 blew up in September 2016, this time while on the launchpad as it was being fueled ahead of an engine test fire. No injury has been reported in the incident.
Falcon 9 first stage has landed at Landing Zone 1 — SpaceX’s 20th recovery of a first stage booster. pic.twitter.com/DHLAf7hq7t
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 15, 2017
Dragon confirmed in good orbit.
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 15, 2017
