Stormy weather across Florida's Space Coast and tropical storm conditions in the Atlantic Ocean forced SpaceX to call off the long-awaited launch of two astronauts aboard the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft Wednesday, on what would be the first piloted flight to orbit from U.S. soil in nearly nine years.

The company plans to make another attempt Saturday, at 3:22:41 p.m. EDT, the next opportunity for a launch into the plane of the International Space Station's orbit with the proper conditions for a rendezvous and docking. A third opportunity is available at 3:00:07 p.m. Sunday.


Forecasters said they expected a 70% chance of acceptable weather Saturday with a much lower chance of rain and heavy clouds.