/

SpaceX finally gets off the ground, but landing will be a problem

SpaceX has launched with its solar storm observatory on board – the mission’s third attempt at lift-off in four days.

The first attempt was postponed after failure of radar systems and the second hampered by bad weather.

The unmanned Falcon 9 rocket is delivering the observatory, nicknamed DSCOVR, for NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Air Force.

But the second part of the SpaceX mission, to prove it could land its leftover booster on an ocean platform 600 kilometres off the Florida coast for later re-use, had to be abandoned due to rough seas. SpaceX will still attempt a “soft landing” in the ocean, but is not expecting to succeed given the terrible weather conditions.

DSCOVR will travel 1.6 million kilometres to a gravity-neutral position in direct line with the Sun and will keep watch to provide advance warnings of incoming geomagnetic storms that could disrupt power and communications on Earth.

Bill Condie

Bill Condie

Bill Condie is a science journalist based in Adelaide, Australia.

Read science facts, not fiction...

There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.