SpaceX will officially resume launching of Falcon spacecraft on January 8. The company will use revised operational practices developed in response to an accident that occurred during routine ground preparations a short time ago. The suggested date for the blastoff of the Falcon 9 from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base is subject to results of the test that will take place this week.
SpaceX plans to launch ten satellites on one Falcon 9 rocket for the company Iridium Communications. These satellites will be part of a new satellite constellation to provide mobile communications on land, ships, and airplanes. SpaceX stated that the explosion on the launchpad, which destroyed the rocket and a single commercial satellite, was the result of problematic fueling procedures instead of a manufacturing flaw or design. A pressurized helium bottle in the rocket ruptured, a few minutes before a test firing causing an explosion. It has been determined that there was a breach in the helium vessel which resulted in an ignition.
SpaceX has been advancing in space technology
Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, also known as SpaceX, has been founded by Elon Musk. He is also the chairman and chief executive. This company has made important steps in the development of space technology and is giving services to many companies and institutions.
SpaceX has launch rockets for various customers including NASA supply missions to the International Space Station. The company is working to develop a crew capsule which will be able to ferry astronauts to the space station. That capsule will have its first flight test this November. It will be an uncrewed flight. The next step will be its first flight test with humans, it will take place in May 2018.
SpaceX also plans to launch the Falcon Heavy, its heavy-lift rocket, this year for the first time. This rocket will be able to lift off from either Vandenberg or Pad 39A, which is the alternate launch pad of the company at Kennedy Space Center, which is close to being operational and it will be able to launch Falcon 9 rockets.
