It just wasn’t meant to happen. As early as last night there were rumors that the weather might put a hold on the first mission since 2011 when the U.S. transported astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). As the countdown began there was cautious optimism that the clouds, wind and threat of lightning would provide a perfect window long enough for the Dragon to transport NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, to the ISS, but with just 16 minutes remaining the no go was announced.
Following is from Tuesday….
NASA and SpaceX launch managers on Monday gave a “go” for the Demo-2 mission, the first launch of NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, on an American rocket from American soil since the last space shuttle mission in 2011.
Launch of the mission, dubbed Launch America, is scheduled for 4:33 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 27. NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, are described as classmates and friends, who are veteran spacefliers that are married to veteran spacefliers, and both are fathers of young sons.
“This is a unique moment where all of America can take a moment and look at our country do something stunning again,” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said in a press briefing on Tuesday.