BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The crowds who flocked to Central Florida to see the historic crewed launch say they’ll hang around this weekend, for the next launch.
See our in-depth coverage below:
Read live updates below:
Scrubbing launch was ‘the right decision,’ NASA administrator said
7:20 p.m. update
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said scrubbing the planned launch was “the right decision," but that they will try again on Saturday.
A second launch window is set for Saturday at 3:22 p.m. from Kennedy Space Center.
Hear what Bridenstine had to say below:
On Saturday, we’re doing it again. We are going to launch American astronauts on an American rocket from American soil. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/d0bsQrbFi5
— Jim Bridenstine (@JimBridenstine) May 27, 2020
President Trump says he’ll return this weekend for rescheduled launch
6 p.m. update
President Donald Trump tweeted he will return to the Space Coast this weekend for the next launch window.
Thank you to @NASA and @SpaceX for their hard work and leadership. Look forward to being back with you on Saturday!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2020
Wednesday’s launch was scrubbed about 17 minutes ahead of its planned 4:33 p.m. launch.
Two launch windows are set for this weekend: The first one at 3:22 p.m. Saturday, then another at 3 p.m. Sunday.
This weekend’s 2 launch windows
5:40 p.m. update
The next launch attempt will happen at 3:22 p.m. Saturday.
If weather or another issue were to scrub that launch, another attempt could happen at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Read: Return to space: Meet the astronauts set to liftoff from the Space Coast on Wednesday
Click here to download the free WFTV news app to be alerted once the rocket blasts off.
In the meantime, here are some songs and movies to get you pumped up for Saturday’s launch.
- Excited about the upcoming manned launch? 9 songs to get you in the groove
- These 9 classic movies about space will get you ready for Wednesday’s launch
Watch video of Wednesday’s events below:
Rocket launch scrubbed
4:20 p.m. update
Wednesday’s historic Falcon 9 rocket launch has been scrubbed because of inclement weather.
The launch was called off with 16 minutes to go because of the danger of lightning.
Read: Preparing for liftoff: How to watch historic NASA, SpaceX launch
The next launch window will open at 3:22 p.m. Saturday.
Click here to watch live updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.
Standing down from launch today due to unfavorable weather in the flight path. Our next launch opportunity is Saturday, May 30 at 3:22 p.m. EDT, or 19:22 UTC
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 27, 2020
Crew access arm retracting from the spacecraft pic.twitter.com/wSn8gJdujN
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 27, 2020
Download the WFTV news app and watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for live updates on this developing story, or click here to have updates sent straight to your inbox.
Hatch on Crew Dragon closed
3:15 p.m. update
The Crew Dragon hatch was closed around 2:45 p.m. with astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley inside, awaiting the scheduled 4:33 p.m. launch.
The hatch is closed. The crew is settled in. #LaunchAmerica is on. pic.twitter.com/qZTR3QAQjM
— NASA (@NASA) May 27, 2020
President Trump arrives at Kennedy Space Center for launch
3:05 p.m. update
President Donald Trump has landed in Brevard County ahead of the historic launch.
The president, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence are touring the Vehicle Assembly Building.
President Trump is set to speak ahead of the launch.
>>CLICK HERE TO WATCH<<
The WFTV Facebook page also will live stream the launch.
Stage is set for the @POTUS arrival to the VAB. We have great access for you on @WFTV beginning at 3. pic.twitter.com/84nAXSMplS
— greg warmoth wftv (@GWarmothWFTV) May 27, 2020
Crews prepare astronauts for launch
2:10 p.m. update
Crews are strapping in astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley for Wednesday afternoon’s rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Center.
A tornado warning has been issued for northern Brevard County, but so far NASA and SpaceX continue to move forward with launch preparations.
>>> CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE <<<
Click here to watch the astronauts being strapped in, and click here to watch special live coverage on Channel 9 Eyewitness News, beginning at 3 p.m.
✔️ Strapped in
— NASA (@NASA) May 27, 2020
✔️ Ready for the ride#LaunchAmerica pic.twitter.com/qJeBMFEWvS
Tornado Warning 5/27 2:15PM Take action now if you are in shaded area.
— Irene Sans (@IreneSans) May 27, 2020
A tornado has been detected either by radar or visually. Go to the lowest, most central room in your location, away from windows. If one is near, put a helmet on. #StormAlert9 pic.twitter.com/pp0kXrsAc6
The storm that was capable of producing a tornado is moving fast to the northeast.... Threat is greatly diminishing for coastal Brevard near Haulover Canal. pic.twitter.com/IxZg5HEe8L
— Irene Sans (@IreneSans) May 27, 2020
Astronauts head to the launch pad
1:40 p.m. update
Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are making their way to the launch pad ahead of this afternoon’s historic rocket launch.
It is the first time in nine years that astronauts have blasted off to space from American soil.
>>> CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE <<<
Stormy weather earlier Wednesday had many concerned that the launch would be scrubbed, but conditions have since improved.
NASA and SpaceX said they are moving forward with launch plans for now.
Read: 9 things to know about NASA’s 1st manned rocket launch in 9 years
Click here to watch the astronauts make their way to the launch pad, and click here to watch special live coverage on Channel 9 Eyewitness News, beginning at 3 p.m.
Download the WFTV news app and watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for live updates on this developing story, or click here to have updates sent straight to your inbox.
President Trump, First Lady depart from Washington D.C. to KSC
12:53 p.m. update
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are headed to Kennedy Space Center for today’s launch.
They are expected to arrive in Central Florida around 2:30 p.m.
White House pool: President trump and First Lady Melania Trump have departed for Andrews Air Force base, to fly to KSC for today's launch attempt
— Jon Galed (@JonGaled) May 27, 2020
12:25 p.m. update
Rain picks up near launch site
The rain has picked up a bit with cloudy conditions near the site of the crewed mission.
You can get a glimpse of the weather below during Channel 9′s live team coverage ahead of the launch.
Another downpour just started right before @LSeabrookWFTV's live hit. She's about six miles from the launch pad, but you can see here how dense the cloud cover is behind her, obscuring any view for now. #LaunchDay pic.twitter.com/uv5TSEy6SU
— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews) May 27, 2020
Officials are continuing to monitor the conditions to determine if there will be a launch today.
Read: Preparing for liftoff: How to watch NASA, SpaceX launch Wednesday
50% chance of a launch
11:43 a.m. update
Space officials have confirmed there is now a lesser chance of a launch happening Wednesday afternoon, as conditions have been downgraded to a 50% chance of a “go.”
There was previously a 60% chance of a launch slated for 4:33 p.m.
The @45thSpaceWing has updated the weather to a 50% GO for today's attempt. The clouds are ominous outside the Air Force station, and we are hearing thunder. pic.twitter.com/CQxflBVKI5
— Jon Galed (@JonGaled) May 27, 2020
See the rocket on the pad
11:15 a.m. update
Channel 9 has two cameras set up, so you can see the rocket on the pad ahead of Wednesday’s afternoon’s historic launch.
>>> CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE <<<
Crowds gather to view launch
9:31 a.m. update
Although space officials recommended that people view the launch from the comfort of their homes, that didn’t stop some fans from making the drive to see the launch live.
Space officials preferred fans to watch the launch virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic and adhering to social distancing guidelines.
I’m live at Parish Park in Titusville where people are parked to watch the 4:33 launch. 🚀 @NASA is asking people to watch virtually because of the pandemic @SpaceX @WFTV #LaunchAmerica #wftv #florida pic.twitter.com/TjYECOXgqA
— Cierra Putman WFTV (@CPutman_WFTV) May 27, 2020
Read: Local officials hope historic NASA, SpaceX launch brings boom to economy
All eyes on the forecast
9 a.m. update
NASA and SpaceX will attempt to launch two astronauts into space from Cape Canaveral Wednesday afternoon, if the weather permits.
As of 9 a.m., there remains a 60% chance of favorable weather conditions, according to space officials.
PHOTOS: Rocket launches from Central Florida
If the weather does not allow for a Wednesday launch, the historic launch will be pushed back to windows on May 30 and May 31.
From the NASA press office: If there is to be a scrub tomorrow, the back-up windows are;
— Jon Galed (@JonGaled) May 26, 2020
- Backup #1: May 30 at 3:21pm ET
- Backup #2: May 31 at 2:59pm ET
The launch is set for a 4:33 p.m. liftoff.
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