SpaceX has again delayed a delivery mission for NASA, saying a launch will take place no earlier than Friday. The company said it’s taking extra time to conduct inspections and cleanings due to particles in the second-stage fuel system.
Taking additional time for the team to conduct full inspections and cleanings due to detection of particles in 2nd stage fuel system. Now targeting CRS-13 launch from SLC-40 on Dec. 15. Next launch opportunity would be no earlier than late December.
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 13, 2017
The delay is the third for the mission dubbed CRS-13, which was originally scheduled to launch Dec. 8. The company plans to send a SpaceX Falcon 9 booster and Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, which will carry a cargo load For NASA to the International Space Station.