SpaceX Dragon ISS mission launch delayed

SpaceX has been getting the Dragon capsule ready to head to the ISS for a while now. Today, the company has announced that the launch of the Dragon to the ISS has been delayed to allow the company more time to get the capsule ready to go. The delay was announced yesterday, and the launch was originally set for February 7.

SpaceX says that the delay will allow it to run more engineering tests on the capsule. A new launch date has not yet been set. NASA, and SpaceX are working together to set a new date. SpaceX spokeswoman Kristin Grantham noted that the company thinks the Dragon will benefit from more tests on a "few areas." The areas needing attention aren't specified.

I would say this is a good thing. If the very first mission of the Dragon capsule fails, SpaceX would not be in a good position. When the Dragon does launch, it will be atop one of SpaceX's own Falcon 9 rockets. The first mission for the Dragon capsule will be unmanned, but the craft is designed to carry people as well.

[via Fox News]