SpaceX Dragon Historic Launch Today

Watch NASA TV today to see a historic launch of the SpaceX Dragon space capsule. The coverage starts at about 2:30 PM CDT. The launch is scheduled at 3:33 PM CDT.

Click here to watch the launch on NASA TV. 

So what is special about this resupply mission? Resupply missions go up to the International Space Station routinely, after all. 

Falcon 9 DSCOVR Launch. Image Credit: SpaceX

SpaceX is a commercial space transport company, founded by entrepreneur Elon Musk. His goal is to reduce space transportation costs by increasing the number of organizations going to space. What is exciting about SpaceX's designs is that they are meant to have launch vehicles and rockets that are reusable - and so much less expensive and wasteful than most current models. 



Today's launch is historic because if everything goes well, the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket will return to Earth for a soft landing on a platform floating in the Atlantic Ocean. This will be the third attempt of the soft landing. The last attempt, in January of this year, crashed and burst into flame. Keep your fingers crossed that this landing will go well. If it does, it will be a huge advance in our ability to travel through space! 

Click image to view larger. 

While the first stage rocket is attempting its soft landing, the Dragon capsule will have separated and be traveling to the ISS, filled with food, supplies, and scientific payloads. If the launch goes ahead on Monday (it is always dependent on weather) the Dragon capsule will arrive at the ISS by Wednesday morning. You can watch NASA TV for that coverage as well! 

Dragon capsule berthed at the ISS. Image Credit: SpaceX 

If weather does not permit the launch to go ahead today, the next launch opportunity will be approximately 3:10 PM CDT, Tuesday, April 14. 

We'll have a chance to see the Space Station pass overhead from the Peoria area this weekend! Check out heavens-above.com to see specific viewing times for your location. 

Learn more about current space news by visiting the Dome Planetarium at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.