[SatNews] SpaceX is now targeting Friday, June 4th, for its first test launch attempt of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The primary schedule driver for the first Falcon 9 test launch has been certification of the flight termination system (FTS), which ensures that Air Force Range safety officials can command the destruction of the vehicle should it stray from its designated flight path.

The successful liftoff of the recent GPS satellite launch last Thursday freed up the necessary range resources to process our final documentation, and we are now looking good for final approval of the FTS by this Friday, June 4th, just in time for our first launch attempt. End to end testing of the Falcon 9 as required by the Air Force Range has been completed and everything was nominal. Rollout is scheduled for tomorrow (June 2nd) morning, and the plan is to erect the vehicle in the afternoon. On Friday, June 4th, the targeted schedule is as follows:

• Launch Window Opens: 11:00 AM Eastern / 8:00 AM Pacific / 1500 UTC
• Launch window lasts 4 hours. SpaceX has also reserved a second launch day on Saturday 5 June, with the same hours

As always, weather will play a significant role in the overall launch schedule. The weather experts at the Cape are giving a 40 percent chance of “no go” conditions for both days of our window, citing the potential for cumulus clouds and anvil clouds from thunderstorms. If the weather cooperates, SpaceX will provide a live webcast of the launch events, presently scheduled to begin 20 minutes prior to the opening of the launch window.

It’s important to note that as this is a test launch, the primary goal of the event is to collect as much data as possible, with success being measured as a percentage of how many flight milestones we are able to complete in this first attempt. It would be a great day if orbital velocity was reached, but still a good day if the first stage functions correctly, even if the second stage malfunctions. This first launch attempt represents a key milestone for SpaceX and the commercial spaceflight industry. Launch dates and times are still subject to change, so please check the webcast page for updates to this schedule.