Postpone the launch date of the first private spacecraft

The first private launch day Dragon was postponed for another week for the technical department to complete the necessary tests before it was sent to the International Space Station (ISS).

'After reviewing the recent progress, it is clear that we need more time to complete a test involving real-time simulation techniques and comprehensive reviews as well as monitor all data' , AFP SpaceX spokesman Kirstin Brost Grantham said.

SpaceX introduces Dragon spacecraft - (Photo: AFP)

According to Grantham, it is still possible to launch unmanned Dragon spacecraft on May 3, but said that more time is needed for preparation.

SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk, co-founder of PayPal, also announced the decision via Twitter, saying the engineering department needs to conduct additional tests on the Dragon's connection code. .

A week ago, NASA announced SpaceX's upcoming launch schedule, scheduled for April 30. Accordingly, the Dragon spacecraft will fly near the ISS and the crew on the space station will use the robotic arm to pull the spacecraft to connect to the ISS station.

Dragon will carry 521kg of supplies to ISS, and is responsible for transporting a 660kg cargo to the ground, according to ISS program leader Michael Suffredini.

SpaceX has made a history of being the first private company to launch a spacecraft into orbit and successfully land in December 2010.

Currently Russia's Soyuz spacecraft is the only transport vehicle for ISS.