Main Engine Cutoff; Second Stage Burn Begins
The Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage engines have finished their burn and the first stage has separated from the vehicle. As the second stage continues the flight, the first stage will aim for landing on SpaceX’s Just Read the Instructions droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.
The second stage Merlin engine has ignited to begin boosting Dragon to low-Earth orbit.
NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website continue to provide live coverage of the ascent. About 12 minutes after launch, Dragon will separate from the Falcon 9 rocket’s second stage, open its nosecone, and begin a carefully choreographed series of thruster firings to reach the space station.
