SpaceX will launch its 20th Dragon cargo mission for NASA on Saturday morning, 7 March at 6:50 South African Standard Time, or 23:50 EST on 6 March in the United States.

SpaceX rocket launch: What you need to know

The veteran Falcon 9 rocket, an uncrewed cargo craft rocket, will be launched from Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The rocket will carry more than 1 950 kg of supplies bound for the International Space Station. 

Weather conditions at Cape Canaveral are predicted to be 60% favorable for the launch attempt, as reported by the US Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron, which performs weather assessments for space launches.

In addition, SpaceX will be live streaming the event on its webcasting service, and you’d be able to watch the rocket launch from the comfort of your own home.

Watch: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launch

SpaceX’s contract with NASA

This will be the final flight for SpaceX under its first commercial resupply services contract with NASA. The contract was signed back in 2008 and was valued at $1.6 billion.

Since 2008, the Falcon 9 rocket has deliveredy at least 20 000 kg of cargo to the International Space Station. After this, the Falcon 9 rocket will retire.

Going forward, SpaceX will use the upgraded Dragon 2 capsule for all resupply mission to the space station. Dragon 2’s first launch is set to take place in October 2020.

The upgraded Dragon 2

According to the SpaceX team, the Dragon 2 “comes with different skills than its predecessor. Space.com explains:

More info to follow