2nd launch try for space station delivery set for Saturday

rp_SpaceX-Falcon-9-launch-420x560.jpg

(AP) — SpaceX will try again Saturday to launch a load of groceries and other supplies to the International Space Station.

The first attempt was halted Tuesday at the last minute because of a problem with the Falcon rocket. The delivery was supposed to occur before Christmas, but was delayed twice in mid-December.

Once the Dragon capsule is on its way, SpaceX will try to land the first-stage booster rocket on a platform floating in the Atlantic. No one has ever pulled off such a touchdown.

SpaceX is one of two private companies that NASA is using to help keep the space station stocked. The last shipment attempt by Orbital Sciences Corp. ended in an explosion seconds after liftoff from Virginia in October.

SOURCE AP