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NASA: Space X launch to ISS not before spring
Feb 2, 2012, 21:59 GMT
Washington - The first unmanned commercial flight to the International Space Station will not occur before spring, NASA said Thursday.
Space X is to launch its Dragon capsule on a cargo mission to resupply the ISS in the first such launch by a commercial outfit. The move is seen as landmark in the development of a commercial spaceflight industry that is to eventually carry astronauts aloft in coming years.
The launch had originally been set for February 7 but was postponed until an unspecified time due to development delays.
ISS programme manger Mike Suffredini told reporters the launch would not take place before a March 20 target, and would likely be delayed further.
The flight will likely occur sometime in April due to a 'challenging' schedule that leaves little room for changes to meet a series of deadlines before a flight, he said.
NASA will set a launch date after technical meetings with Space X later this month.
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