Space Station Glitch Could Delay SpaceX Launch

Science NASA This image provided by NASA shows the SpaceX Dragon cargo craft just prior to being released by the International Space Station's Canadarm2 robotic arm on May 31, 2012. NASA/AP

A failure in a backup electronics box for the International Space Stations robotic arm may force NASA to again postpone SpaceXs launch of a Dragon cargo ship to the station.

NASA mission managers said Saturday that the crew on board the ISS is in no danger, but a problem in a backup computer component could force a postponement, NBC reports.

The SpaceX Dragon capsule, which is slated to carry 4,600 pounds of supplies to the International Space Station, is scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Fla. late Monday afternoon. However, the proper functioning of the robotic arm system is required to attach the Dragon to the International Space Station. While the primary system is working as expected, a backup box stopped responding to commands Friday.

A decision on whether to proceed with the launch will be made Sunday as NASA and SpaceX officials weigh whether its too dangerous to proceed with a faulty backup system.

[NBC]

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Space Station Glitch Could Delay SpaceX Launch