A SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket carrying a Bangabandhu Satellite-1 geostationary communication satellite for the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission blast offed off Friday.
The Block 5, which was designed to be reusable, launched from the Kennedy Space Center. The launch was pushed back four times.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Download: WFTV mobile apps
Thursday's launch attempted was scrubbed because of a "standard ground system auto abort," SpaceX said.
One of the improvements include, a reusable heat shield that protects engines and titanium.
SpaceX said it can reuse each Falcon 9 booster up to 100 times, and can turn around a booster for reuse in 48 hours.
The Block 5 is scheduled to land on the drone ship rather than one of the landing pads at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
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The communications satellite will provide broadcasting and other communications services across Bangladesh.
Standing down today due to a standard ground system auto abort at T-1 min. Rocket and payload are in good health—teams are working towards tomorrow’s backup launch opportunity at 4:14 p.m. EDT, or 20:14 UTC.
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 10, 2018
***Traffic Advisory*** Space X Block 5 rocket lifting off from KSC launch pad 39A. The launch window opens @ 4:42 pm & closes @ 6:21 pm. Motorists please use caution & be alert for vehicles & launch viewers at all viewing sites along
— Titusville Police FL (@TitusvillePD) May 10, 2018
S. Washington Avenue & A. Max Brewer Bridge pic.twitter.com/hsLfDkHZn1
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