Elon Musk is going to explode a rocket - when the weather is fine [Live: 19.01.2020, 15:00 UTC]

Last attempt was scrubbed because of high wind and rough seas in the recovery area

SpaceX has been supplying the ISS with the Dragon Capsule 19 times. The second Dragon version has been undergoing rigorous testing in order to qualify for manned space flight. The upcomming in-flight abort test is the final step to be certified by NASA.

Dragon will launch atop of a fully fueled Falcon 9 booster from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Shortly after launch, during maximum aerodynamic pressure, the abort sequence will be initiated. The capsule will use its SuperDrako thrusters to pull away from the booster and splash down approximately 30 km off the coast.

It is expected that the booster will be ripped apart because of aerodynamic forces after the separation event.

If this uncrewed test is successful a crewed flight to the ISS can be expected as early as February.

Launch window opens at 15:00 UTC (January 19th 2020).

Check your local time at: www.timeanddate.com

Where to watch:

Tim Dodd will be live streaming 60 minutes before launch and provide additional commentary:

• The Everyday Astronaut

Or 15 minutes before launch:

• SpaceX Livestream
• NASA TV

Background information about previous SpaceX launches: Wikipedia

Useful links to stay up to date on launches:

Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule

Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews

Space News:

NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com

Be aware, this is rocket surgery.

Small disturbances can lead to postponed launches. Making sure everything is just right is way cheaper than risking big fireworks.

@remind-me on 19th January 2020 14:30