Taylor University Has Launched Into Orbit (UPDATED 4/14/2014)
During meetings this morning, NASA determined it was safe to proceed with the launch of a Dragon cargo capsule despite the failure of a backup computer outside the station that will have to be replaced with a spacewalk.
The computer provides redundancy for a number of systems on the station's truss, but NASA determined they could be configured properly to protect against the potential failure of the primary computer, which is performing well.
"We need to get (the Dragon) on board as soon as we practically can," said Mike Suffredini, NASA's space station program manager.
There's an 80 percent chance of favorable launch weather during Monday's instantaneous launch window at Launch Complex 40, with anvil clouds a possible threat as a cold front moves into the area.
If SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket blasts off Monday, the Dragon spacecraft -- packed with nearly 5,000 pounds of food, supplies and science experiments -- would be expected to berth at the station Wednesday morning.
If the launch scrubs, the next opportunity would be Friday afternoon, when the weather forecast is expected to be worse.
NASA has tentatively scheduled a spacewalk to replace the failed computer box for April 22.
After launch, SpaceX will attempt to drop the Falcon 9 rocket's first-stage gently in the Atlantic Ocean for recovery, the next step in the company's attempt to develop a reusable booster.
Attached is an information sheet on TSAT details and links. Also attached is NASA's Mission Press Kit for the launch. Links for video are listed below.