SpaceX rocket launch LIVE stream - Watch online HERE
The rocket launch is scheduled to take place at 5.31pm BST (12.31 ET) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the US. About 15 minutes before the rocket blasts off, SpaceX will start its webcast live stream which you can watch above. The Falcon 9 launch will be the 12th time SpaceX has delivered cargo to NASA's space station since it signed a Commercial Resupply Services contract in 2008. Initially the 12th mission was planned to be the final one. But thanks to its successful runs, SpaceX has since extended the agreement to a total of 20 missions.
This will be the last time SpaceX uses a new Dragon spacecraft because it plans to start reusing the craft, much like the reusable Falcon 9. The rocket’s engines were tested ahead of the launch on Thursday and the mission was given a green light. SpaceX tweeted: “Static fire test of Falcon 9 complete – targeting August 14 launch from Pad 39A for Dragon’s next resupply mission to the @Space_Station.” Weather conditions have also improved today by 80 per cent according to the Kennedy Space Centre, which means that the conditions are optimal for launch.
SPACEX SpaceX launch live: The Falcon 9 rocket will launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida
Earlier today NASA posted: "It’s launch day! We have tons (literally) of science & cargo headed to @Space_Station at 12:31pm ET.”
About two tons of research hardware and supplies are scheduled to head to @Space_Station NASA's ISS Research Twitter
About 10 minutes into the launch, the Falcon 9 will separate from the Dragon and head back to Earth. It is due to land in an upright position at SpaceX’s Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Dragon will continue into orbit where it is expected to attach to the ISS on August 16. Once the craft approaches the space station, the ISS crew will use a 17.6 metre-long (57.7-foot) robotic arm to pull the Dragon in.
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The Dragon will deliver over 2,900kg (6,400 pounds) worth of supplies and payloads, including critical material for scientific research. The official ISS Research Twitter page tweeted: "About two tons of research hardware and supplies are scheduled to head to @Space_Station." The Dragon will remain in orbit with the station for about a month before it is returned to Earth with more than 1,360 kg (3,000 pounds) of cargo
SPACEX The Falcon 9 will deliver a Dragon cargo spacecraft