Waspie_Dwarf Posted January 2, 2017 #1 Share Posted January 2, 2017 SpaceX failure probe complete; flights to resume Sunday from California Quote After an exhaustive investigation, SpaceX engineers have identified the most likely cause of the spectacular explosion of a Falcon 9 rocket during a pre-launch test Sept. 1 that destroyed the booster and its $195 million satellite payload, the company announced Monday. SpaceX engineers believe the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station mishap was triggered by the failure of a high-pressure helium tank, one of three used to pressurize the second stage liquid oxygen tank. Putting corrective actions in place, the company said Monday it plans to resume flights with a launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base northwest of Los Angeles on Jan. 8 to boost 10 Iridium NEXT satellite telephone relay stations into orbit. Read More: Spaceflight Now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted January 6, 2017 Author #2 Share Posted January 6, 2017 Engine hotfire test completed for SpaceX’s first launch since explosion Quote SpaceX’s launch team fueled up a Falcon 9 rocket on a California launch pad Thursday, fired the booster’s nine Merlin engines, and passed a key preflight test for the first time since a Falcon 9 exploded during a similar practice countdown in September. The customary launch rehearsal, called a static fire test, helps clear the way for the rocket’s blastoff next week with 10 next-generation Iridium voice and data relay satellites. Read More: Spaceflight Now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paperdyer Posted January 6, 2017 #3 Share Posted January 6, 2017 Sounds like they found the issue. Only time will tell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted January 6, 2017 Author #4 Share Posted January 6, 2017 FAA signs off on SpaceX mishap investigation Quote The Federal Aviation Administration has granted a launch license for SpaceX’s deployment of 10 Iridium communications satellites next week after reviewing the company’s inquiry into a Falcon 9 rocket explosion in September, an agency spokesperson said Friday. The FAA has regulatory oversight authority over commercial space activities in the United States, with responsibility for the safety of the public and property pertaining to commercial launch operations. Read More: Spaceflight Now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted January 8, 2017 Author #5 Share Posted January 8, 2017 Next SpaceX launch slipped to avoid stormy weather, range conflict Quote Forecasters predict a rainy, breezy week along California’s Central Coast, and the poor weather will keep SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket grounded until at least Jan. 14, officials said Sunday. Ground crews were connecting the Falcon 9 rocket with a package of 10 Iridium voice and data relay satellites Friday, aiming for a launch opportunity as soon as Monday on SpaceX’s first mission since a rocket exploded on its launch pad in Florida in September. Read More: Spaceflight Now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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