Orion Launch Reset for Friday

NASA has rescheduled liftoff for the Orion rocket for first thing Friday morning after a planned Thursday launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida was scrubbed.

According to the agency, the launch windows opens at 7:05 a.m.

The unmanned Orion is expected to orbit 3,600 miles above the earth before it splashes into the Pacific Ocean. The rocket is being tested to eventually carry astronauts on exploratory missions into deep space, the agency’s website said. Hopes for the rocket design include exploration of an asteroid and a possible trip to Mars.

Thursday’s launch was derailed when an issue arose related to fill and drain values, NASA reported. The problem couldn’t be troubleshot in time to beat the launch window’s closing.

While it’s unclear if the rocket’s launch will be visible in the Tampa Bay area, the National Weather Service is predicting an iffy morning for visibility. There’s a 20 percent chance of showers on Friday.

To keep up with the latest updates on the Orion mission, visit NASA’s blog.

Photo Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett