Remember SpaceX; the Space Exploration Company created by Elon Musk? Well, despite having several issues back in 2016, the company is still going, but things have already taken an unfortunate turn in the new year. One can only hope that SpaceX fairs better in 2017 than any other time in its history.
SpaceX rocket delayed by a few days
The company has decided to delay the launch of its latest rocket to January 14. This is being done due to reports of torrential rains and winds that are expected to hit the area during the time of the original launch date.
Before the unexpected delay, SpaceX was aiming to have the launch take place on January 8.
The world has yet to see a SpaceX rocket take to the skies since the company’s last rocket exploded on September 1, 2016. The FAA, NASA, and SpaceX itself were investigating the matter of why the rocket burst into flames. After months of trying to figure out what happened, the team came back with the conclusion that a helium pressure vessel failed after take off, which in turn, triggered the explosion.
“The FAA accepted the investigation report on the Amos 6 mishap and has closed the investigation,” according to a recent statement from the FAA to the publication, The Verge. “SpaceX applied for a license to launch the Iridium NEXT satellites from Vandenberg Air Force Base.
The FAA has granted a license for that purpose.”
What Is SpaceX’s next step?
The plan right now is to have a successful launch come January 14, 2017. The mission is to take a mere 10 satellites to space for a company known as Iridium. This is all part of the Iridium NEXT mission, according to the report. Furthermore, it seems everything is set to go for the mission as all 10 satellites have been mounted onto the SpaceX rocket.
Come January 14, 2017; the launch will take place at 12:54 PM ET in California via the Vandenberg Air Force Base. There’s no word at this point as to when the next SpaceX launch will take place, but it will likely all depend on the success of this new rocket before a decision is made.
