MOSCOW, December 19 (Sputnik) – Christmas deliveries for astronauts on the international space station will reach their recipients only in January, AP reported.
According to SpaceX representative John Taylor, a preliminary review of its rocket engines revealed technical difficulties. The company will perform another test before the actual launch, which is expected to take place on January 6.
Launch of @SpaceX to @Space_Station will now occur no earlier than Tuesday, Jan. 6. Details: http://t.co/d1Cm8iAWFO pic.twitter.com/Cvm4KT1RZK
— NASA (@NASA) 18 декабря 2014
The space station crew currently includes three Russians, two Americans, and one Italian.
Last year, the astronauts also had to wait for their gifts until January. The Christmas packages included equipment, provisions and long-awaited presents from their family members. The shipment was set to take place in December, but was delayed due to external reasons: a space station malfunction and poor weather conditions, according to the NASA website.
Christmas presents are seen as an important means of psychological support for astronauts, as handmade gifts from their children, pictures, or their favorite snacks help them retain a closer connection to Earth.
