SpaceX Dragon Launch Scheduled For Friday Liftoff

Image from SpaceX

SpaceX will be completing final checks and preparations this week for a scheduled launch this Friday, April 8. The launch will mark SpaceX’s return to servicing the International Space Station (ISS) after last year’s failed launch in June when a Falcon 9 exploded shortly after liftoff. In addition to food and supplies, Dragon will be carrying mice and other science and technology for research. This mission’s most notable delivery will be a new inflatable habitat, BEAM, that will be attached to the ISS for testing; this technology is designed to explore the viability of expandable habitats to improve the efficiency and automation of habitat deployment. Technologies like BEAM and SpaceX’s efforts to create a re-usable rocket program are vital developments for future missions to Mars and the continuing economic viability of space flight.

For launch information, visit the Kennedy Space Center’s website; to read more about the launch, visit Florida Today’s article, or the Observer’s story. If you are planning to visit the Space Coast and are in need of accommodations, give us a call at (321)-784-5046 or e-mail us at [email protected]!