Falcon 1 Launch Delayed to Replace Engine Supply Line
By Staff Writer | September 24, 2008
[Satellite Today 09-24-08] Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) is postponing its upcoming Falcon 1 to replace a vehicle component.
In a statement posted on the company’s Web site, SpaceX founder Elon Musk said the company conducted a static test firing of its Falcon 1 vehicle Sept. 20. “After a detailed analysis of data, we decided to replace a component in the second stage engine [liquid oxygen] supply line. There is a good chance we would be OK flying as is, but we are being extremely cautious. This adds a few extra days to the schedule, so the updated launch window estimate is now Sept. 28 through Oct. 1.”
The upcoming fourth launch of Falcon 1 will carry a dummy payload.