Forecast for Wednesday’s historic launch improving, NASA officials say

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA officials said Tuesday that the forecast is improving ahead of a mission aimed at returning Americans to space from U.S. soil for the first time in nine years.

Tuesday morning’s mission briefing was supposed to be held next to the clock that will countdown to the 3:30 p.m. Central time launch of the Demo 2 mission, but inclement weather forced it indoors.

Atop the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket parked on launchpad 39A sits the Dragon capsule which will carry astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station. It will be the first time Americans have blasted off from American soil since the last shuttle launch in 2011.

The weather has been a concern as the launch approaches, but officials have given the green light to the mission.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said Tuesday that the forecast is looking better for Wednesday’s launch window, with a 60% chance of favorable weather.

“As of right now, we are go for launch,” Bridenstine said.

The Demo 2 mission is the final step in proving that commercial companies can launch human passengers into orbit. The goal is to turn NASA into a customer, allowing the agency to focus on a return to the moon and eventually landing people on Mars.

You can watch a replay of the briefing below.