Falcon 9 Rolls Out And Is Raised For First Test Flight On Friday

An 18-story Falcon 9 rocket rolled out of its assembly hangar today and then was raised up for the planned launch Friday of its first test-flight.

The SpaceX rocket and a mock-up of a Dragon space capsule are slated to blast off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station during a launch window that will extend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.

The weather forecast for Friday is favorable. Meteorologists with the U.S. Air Force 45th Space Wing Weather Squadron say there is a 60 percent chance conditions will be acceptable for flight.

The prime concern is a chance that electrically charged clouds might sweep into the area during the window. A rocket flying through those types of clouds could trigger destructive bolts of lightning.

The meteorologists expect the early part of the four-hour window to present the best opportunity to fly. Thunderstorms could rumble into the area around 1 p.m. Friday.

SpaceX also has booked Saturday for a launch attempt if necessary. The forecast for that day calls for a 70 percent chance of conditions that meet all launch commit criteria. The main concern would remain the same: Thick, electrically charged clouds that could cause serious problems for a Falcon 9 in flight.

NOTE ON IMAGES: Click to enlarge the SpaceX photo of the Falcon 9 rocket being readied for flight at Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Launch is scheduled for Friday during a window that will stretch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Photo credit: Chris Thompson/SpaceX.