NASA and SpaceX have announced October 7, 2012 as the target launch date for SpaceXs first resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch of the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft is scheduled for 8:34 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral, Florida. October 8 is the backup date. The launch represents the first of 12 SpaceX flights to the ISS under NASAs Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract, and follows a successful demonstration mission in May when SpaceX became the first private company ever to attach to the ISS and return safely to Earth. The SpaceX CRS-1 mission also represents restoration of American capability to deliver and return cargo to the ISS - a feat not achievable since the retirement of the space shuttle. SpaceX is also contracted to develop Dragon to send crew to the space station. SpaceXs first manned flight is expected to take place in 2015.
