Rocket Launch Sunday Offers View for East Coast

Northern Virginia and other East Coast and midwest residents may be able to spot the launch Sunday of the Cygnus cargo spacecraft from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.

Orbital Sciences Corp. has scheduled the launch for 12:52 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad. The spacecraft is headed for the International Space Station.

The launch has faced delays, with severe weather repeatedly interrupting preparations, according to NASA.

On its blog, NASA notes that the Cygnus is loaded with about 3,300 pounds of cargo for the station, including food, spare parts, hardware, science experiments and other items.

Much of the East Coast should be able to see the Antares rocket as it carries Cygnus into orbit, according to NASA. See a launch viewing map.

NASA Television coverage of the launch will begin at noon.