REPEATED SETBACKS
But repeated setbacks stalled the mission and even necessitated rolling the rocket back to its hangar for analysis and repairs.
As of Tuesday afternoon, NASA officials voiced confidence that engineering operations and final preparations were proceeding smoothly.
If Wednesday’s launch is canceled or delayed, there are more liftoff opportunities through Monday, although weather later in the week was looking slightly less favorable.
Melinda Schuerfranz, a retiree from Ohio, traveled to Florida for the launch.
“We’re looking forward to it, we’ve never seen anything like this,” the 76-year-old swimsuit-clad beachgoer told AFP.
But Schuerfranz remembers the Apollo era, and thinks some of the magic might be lost in today’s more fragmented media environment.
“I think it was way more exciting then,” she said. “Everybody tuned into it.”