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.
- RELATED: Florida launch schedule
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.