Storms Threaten SpaceX Resupply Mission Launch to the International Space Station

In what could be the fourth delay in just over a month, SpaceX's third resupply mission to the International Space Station is currently threatened by storms. The launch is scheduled for 3:25 p.m. EST on Friday.

The delivery, originally scheduled for March 16, is a critical resupply mission--especially after the three delays. Of the essential cargo, the astronauts aboard the International Space Station will receive food, a new spacesuit, and replacement parts for existing spacesuits and computer repairs.

There's a chance of thunderstorms predicted for Cape Canaveral, Florida, where the Falcon 9 rocket will launch from the Air Force base. The bad weather could potentially prevent liftoff, in which case SpaceX would reschedule for Saturday. In the event SpaceX cannot launch on Saturday, Orbital Sciences will conduct the launch and SpaceX's next launch won't be until June.

Orbital Sciences is another launching company contracted by NASA to conduct resupply missions to the ISS. This resupply mission will be SpaceX's third launch to the ISS under a $1.6 billion contract that features 12 cargo missions through 2016. Similarly, Orbital Sciences inked a $1.9 billion contract with NASA in 2008 to conduct cargo transportation services to the ISS between 2011 and 2015.

SpaceX's first two-week delay was for precautionary reasons due to the critical payloads on board and significant upgrades to Dragon. The second two-week delay was issued after an oily residue was found on part of the Dragon spacecraft's capsule. Then, the delay on April 14 was caused by a leaky rocket valve that had to be replaced in order to ensure a safe launch. There's a 40 percent chance for good weather, but the thunderstorms could issue a fourth delay.

"We anticipate it to go quickly, but as with anything in space...you never know what's going to be thrown at you," said former ISS astronaut Christopher Cassidy, who is helping NASA in Houston.

And that's certainly been the case since March 16. You can watch live coverage of the launch beginning at 2:15 p.m. EST on NASA TV.