2nd attempt for Atlas V launch from Cape Canaveral AFS

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket stands ready for launch with cargo for delivery to the International Space Station on launch complex 41at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, in Cape Canaveral, F…

Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis(NEW YORK) – Poor weather prompted NASA officials to make a last minute decision on the launch pad to postpone the launch of the Cygnus spacecraft to the International Space Station Thursday.

If all goes according to plan, in a few days, Commander Scott Kelly, who is now spending one year in space, can look forward to unloading more food supplies, clothes and plenty of science experiments – the results of which can help benefit future missions.

It was not immediately announced when the next launch attempt would be if the weather does not cooperate again Friday evening.

It’s the first of two Cygnus missions launching from Florida on the Atlas V while Orbital ATK readies its own Antares rocket for a return to flight from Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The rain was gone and the clouds thinner Friday, but wind gusts close to 30 knots twice exceeded the safety limit just minutes before liftoff, ultimately pushing the spacecraft past its 30-minute launch window.

The Cygnus spacecraft that was scheduled to liftoff Thursday has about 7,700 lbs cargo.

However, in October past year, a rocket to supply the ISS from Orbital Sciences was destroyed in a launch explosion. Orbital ATK bought another company’s rocket, the Atlas, for this supply mission.

Orbital ATK competed with SpaceX to transport astronauts to the ISS under its contract with NASA.

Cygnus is loaded with more than 3.3 tonnes of scientific equipment, water and food for the ISS crew. The company’s Falcon rocket ended up in the Atlantic at the end of June, along with a new docking port and everything else destined for the space station.

The commercial craft will be propelled into orbit by an Atlas V rocket manufactured by United Launch Alliance.

The Antares is being reconfigured with different booster engines.

Also accompanying the flight: “Lots of prayers”, said Principal Eleanor McCormack.