Orlando, Florida – NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission is facing delays due to adverse weather conditions, pushing back the launch originally scheduled for Saturday, March 2nd. The new launch date is now set for Sunday, March 3rd, after the initial postponement from Friday, March 1st.
Initially planned for 11:16 p.m. EST on Saturday, the Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew-8 members aboard the Dragon Endeavour capsule will now take off on Sunday at 10:53 pm ET from Kennedy Space Center’s pad 39A. The decision to reschedule came after the Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron highlighted unfavorable weather conditions, with only a 40% chance of suitable launch conditions due to potential precipitation, cumulus clouds, and a high risk of poor ascent corridor weather.
The Falcon 9 is expected to follow a northeasterly trajectory during the launch, with the rocket’s first-stage booster aiming to land at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station around 7 minutes and 38 seconds after liftoff, creating sonic booms in the vicinity.
Weather forecasts for Sunday appear more promising, raising hopes for a successful launch, barring any unforeseen issues. NASA plans to provide live coverage of the event starting at 6:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, with viewers able to watch the launch on NASA Television and NASA+.
Additionally, there will be a post-launch conference to discuss the mission’s outcome a few hours after liftoff. SpaceX will also broadcast the launch on X (formerly Twitter) for those interested in watching the event live.
With the anticipation and excitement surrounding the Crew-8 mission, all eyes are on Sunday’s rescheduled launch as NASA and SpaceX aim to successfully lift off and carry out their planned objectives aboard the International Space Station.