Posted: Fri, Nov 25, 2005, 9:08 AM ET (1408 GMT)
The maiden launch of the Falcon 1 launch vehicle by Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) has been delayed 24 hours because of a range conflict, the company announced late Thursday. The launch of Falcon 1, previously scheduled for 4 pm EST (2100 GMT) Friday, has been rescheduled for the same time on Saturday. SpaceX said in a brief statement that the launch was rescheduled by the Army Space and Missile Defense Command "in order to facilitate preparations for a missile defense launch." The Falcon 1 promises to dramatically reduce the cost of space access for small satellites and also serve as a testbed for the technologies the company plans to incorporate into larger variants of the Falcon currently under development. The Falcon 1 is carrying Falconsat 2, a small satellite built by the Air Force Academy; the launch is funded by the Air Force and DARPA.

Related Links:

•  Flight International article
•  SpaceX statement