UPDATE: Weather will delay the launch 24 hours.
Original Story:
A Falcon 9 rocket stands ready to launch a broadcast satellite for Tokyo-based satellite operator SKY Perfect J-SAT.
The satellite will provide broadcast and telecommunication to areas of Asia and the Pacific.
SpaceX completed a successful test fire of the Falcon 9’s engines earlier this week, the company said in a tweet.
After sending the satellite to orbit, SpaceX plans to recover the first-stage booster by landing it on a barge at sea. An attempt to land the booster on a drone ship at sea was a success last month.
Officials with SpaceX aren't optimistic for a successful landing this time. Thursday's launch is to a Geostationary Transfer Orbit, meaning the booster will experience extreme velocity and high heat on re-entry.
Thursday morning’s launch window opens at 1:21 AM EST. Weather forecasts early in the week predict an 80% change of launch.
SpaceX’s last launch was in April, delivering supplies to the International Space Station.
For live launch updates, follow Brendan Byrne on Twitter: @SpaceBrendan