SpaceX has delayed the launch of a Japanese communication satellite by a day because it anticipates inclement weather.

  • SpaceX to send Japanese communications satellite into orbit
  • Launch pushed back a day due to possible bad weather
  • New launch window opens at 1:21 a.m. Friday

The JCSAT-14 satellite was built in California and transported to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It was scheduled to launch early Thursday, May 5. The new launch window begins at 1:21 a.m. EDT Friday.

The satellite will provide broadcast, data and Internet service for Asia, Russia, Oceania and the Pacific Islands.

The Falcon 9 completed a static fire test this past weekend, ensuring the rocket is ready for launch from Space Launch Complex 40.

After the satellite is safely on its way to space, the company again will try to land its first-stage booster on a floating remote-controlled ship hundreds of miles off Florida's coast.

Last month, SpaceX successfully landed the first stage of its Falcon 9 rocket on the barge about nine minutes after its launch. It was a major step in SpaceX's goal to make its rockets reusable.

The company said a successful landing attempt this time is less likely, because the rocket will be traveling faster and sending the payload to a much higher orbit.