Space Coast

Many children dream one day of walking among the stars. For Retired Navy Captain Winston Scott, that reality was manifested when he was selected for NASA’s Astronaut Program.

55 years ago, the world was captivated by the Apollo 13th mission. Three astronauts were trying to find a way back to Earth and Mission Control worked overtime to ensure every variable was ready.

Wednesday morning, after years of delays and billions in cost overruns, the Space Launch System rocket thundered skyward, rising from Kennedy Space Center on 8.8 million pounds (4 million kilograms) of thrust and hitting 100 mph (160 kph) within seconds.

“Right now, there’s nothing preventing us” from attempting a launch on Wednesday, said NASA’s Jim Free, an associate administrator.

The first attempt earlier in the week was also marred by escaping hydrogen, but those leaks were elsewhere on the 322-foot rocket.

Monday's scheduled launched was scrubbed due to engine problems.

Private aerospace manufacturer and space delivery company SpaceX made history in April when it successfully re-launched and re-landed a rocket that had…

Private aerospace manufacturer and space delivery company SpaceX made history last week when it successfully re-launched and re-landed a rocket that had…