Historic launch delayed

Weather pushes back first NASA flight using private rocket - NBC's Jay Gray reports

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (KYMA, KECY) - The Spacex Falcon-9 rocket sits on the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center, and it now appears it will sit there a little longer.

For now, history will have to wait. NASA making the call the scrub the launch scheduled for Saturday evening due to "onshore winds and recovery operations." The mission now pushed back 24-hours.

When the Spacex rocket does fly, it will signal a major change for the space agency.

After a final readiness review, NASA and Spacex teams say Falcon-9 is go for launch.

"We are ready for this launch. We are ready for the six months of work that's waiting for us on board the International Space Station" said Michael Hopkins, Crew Dragon Commander.

In a place very familiar with making history, this mission is no exception. It's the first time four astronauts will be in the capsule during a NASA mission. It's also the first operational mission as part of NASA's commercial crew program - in essence, a charter flight to the International Space Station, on a rocket, and in a capsule owned by a private company.

The historic trip could launch a new, wide-open era in space travel.

"The ultimate goal is to have more resources to do things for which there is not yet a commercial marketplace, like go to the moon and on to Mars." said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.

And for civilians to, perhaps soon, travel into low-earth orbit.

"Once space tourism turns the corner we think we'll see likely topping 100 operations a year. " said FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson

But that can't happen until this operation takes flight, and that won't happen until Sunday evening at the earliest.