Apparently SpaceX had a computer timing glitch that caused an unnecessary abort yesterday. Launch is back on for 7 PM Eastern.

[Update at 6:25 PM EDT]

The launch is apparently still on, but no webcast yet.

[Update at 7:04 PM EDT]

It’s about an hour before the new schedule for the launch. 8:05 PM EDT. Webcast still hasn’t started, with no explanation as to why.

[Update after schedule launch time]

Wow. Aborted after engine start?

That’s a new one.

But Clark says that there still may be a launch tonight.

[Update at 9:30 EDT]

So far the launch seems succesful.

[Another update]

Complete success seems uncertain at this point, but it’s a huge improvement over the last attempt.

We’ll know more on the morrow. Too late to evaluate for us East Coasters.

More thoughts tomorrow, with more information.

Unfortunately, Windows Media is demanding that I download a new version to view it, which generally involves a reboot, which I’m loathe to do right now, so I don’t know what’s going on. According to the latest reading from Clark, it’s still on.

[Update a little after 7 PM Eastern]

Apparently the scheduled launch was aborted due to a telemetry issue.

Could still go tonight, though.

[Update at 8:34 PM EDT]

OK, apparently not. Maybe tomorrow. Fortunately, my commenters are more on top of the situation than I am. Well, I’ve never attempted to be the site for breaking space news, unless I’m live blogging an event.

Jane Skinner just did an interview with Granger Whitelaw on the Rocket Racing League. Cool video simulations of the rockets played in the background throughout.

The giggle factor continues to dissipate.

Is Galileo the Airbus of space? It never made much sense to me to try to compete with a free service. The only thing that this project ever had going for it was anti-American paranoia and European pride. I don’t think it will be enough to save it.

Jeff Foust has a good summary of the current state of planetary defense.

Jeff Foust has a good summary of the current state of planetary defense.

Jeff Foust has a good summary of the current state of planetary defense.

Current schedule seems to be 4 PM Pacific (that means this evening for us (current) east coasters).

Alan Henderson has some thoughts about sunspots, climate change, and space colonization. I have to say, though, that I don’t think it’s an urgent issue.

Or so says Elon Musk.

Here’s hoping for a badly needed success.