NASA OKs rocket test launch this week

A private co is planning a test launch of a rocket intended to be used on supply runs to ISS.

Written by Associated Press
Atlantic (us) | April 17, 2013 12:21 PM IST

1 min read

A private company is planning a test launch today of a rocket intended to be used on supply runs to the International Space Station,but officials warn weather could delay the effort.

Orbital Sciences Corp. of Dulles,Virginia,is set to launch its unmanned Antares rocket today from Wallops Island,Virginia,and it could be visible in cities from Washington to New York.

This story requires a subscription

Select a plan and use IE10 code to get 10% extra off

POPULAR

EXPRESS EDGE

Daily ePaper access

Premium stories & archives

UPSC Section + UPSC Essentials Magazine

Premium stories & archives

UPSC Section + UPSC Essentials Magazine

Starts at ₹133/month

Best for UPSC aspirants

This story requires a subscription

Please Select A Plan

POPULAR

EXPRESS EDGE

Daily ePaper access

Premium stories & archives

UPSC Section + UPSC Essentials Magazine

Premium stories & archives

UPSC Section + UPSC Essentials Magazine

Starts at ₹133/month

Best for UPSC aspirants

But NASA said yesterday there’s only a 45 per cent chance weather conditions would allow a launch today. Orbital would try again tomorrow if need be.

If successful in sending a practice payload into orbit,Orbital aims to send its cargo ship to dock with the International Space Station this summer on a test run.

Orbital and California-based SpaceX have contracted to make space station supply runs with NASA,which ended its shuttle programme in 2011.