SpaceX launch live blog: Latest updates as Falcon 9 rocket set to explode
Elon Musk says dramatic abort test will see Falcon 9 rocket 'destroyed in Dragon fire'
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Your support makes all the difference.SpaceX has launched and exploded a 500-tonne rocket in mid-air as part of the last major safety test before sending astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).
The In-Flight Abort Test saw the Falcon 9 rocket experience a planned "rapid, unscheduled disassembly" shortly after take-off.
The launch was originally planned for Saturday but was postponed until Sunday due to adverse weather conditions.
Sunday's launch was delayed three separate times but a six-hour launch window allowed it to eventually lift-off at 10.30am ET (3.30pm GMT).
Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load.
Beyond ferrying astronauts to the ISS, SpaceX plans to offer trips into space to ultra-wealthy civilians.
The first person to sign up for a trip is Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, who recently announced that he is seeing a girlfriend to accompany him on a trip around the moon.
Applicants must “be interested in going into space and able to participate in the preparation for it” and “be someone who wishes for world peace”.
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The In-flight Abort Test is due to take place 84 seconds after the launch, though this time could vary depending on weather conditions.
Here's how the Crew Dragon capsule looks atop the Falcon 9 rocket.
Today's launch has already been delayed by 2.5 hours, but if it has to be postponed like yesterday's attempt, then SpaceX are saying it could take place tomorrow.
Looking good for now though.
There are no astronauts aboard today's launch, but there are two astronaut dummies for this dress rehearsal.
This entire test will take less than 10 minutes from the time the Falcon 9 rocket lifts off and the Crew Dragon capsule touches down.
T minus three minutes.
The clock is ticking down and the launch escape system is armed.
We are one minute away from lift off.
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