SpaceX is getting ready to launch again early in January 2017. One of the space exploration firm's Falcon 9 rockets previously burst into flames in September 2016. SpaceX hopes to get a license to launch from the Federal Aviation Administration before the intended date.
SpaceX Has No Launch License Yet
According to SpaceX, it is finalizing the investigation of the September 1 explosion and trying to complete the remaining steps to safely and reliably return to flight. In early January, SpaceX is eyeing on launching the Iridium-1, which will release the initial 10 satellites in the Iridium NEXT constellation, eventually creating a network of 72 satellites.
In 2010, telecommunications company Iridium signed a contract with SpaceX to create the constellation. An FAA spokesperson, however, said that SpaceX has not yet finished their investigation and are not yet licensed for an FAA launch.
The FAA will need to review the proposal that SpaceX has, based on its pending investigation, to address the previous issue that caused the rocket to burst into flames on the launch pad. Before, SpaceX mentioned that the problem most likely involves the helium contained in the liquid oxygen propellant tank.
The explosion happened two days before the Falcon 9 was supposed to launch. FAA added that they need inspectors in place, air traffic control awareness and a payload review to grant SpaceX a launch license.
Adding the Final Touches To The SpaceX Launch
SpaceX did not directly respond to FAA's statements regarding the launch license. The Elon Musk-headed firm stated that they will have more time to close out preparations for the vehicle and finish extensive testing to ensure that the mission is successful.
If everything works according to plan, the SpaceX payload will lift off from Vandenburg Air Base in California. Space.com stated that in June 2015, a SpaceX Falcon 9 also exploded shortly after launch from Cape Canaveral.
The failure was attributed to a faulty bit of scaffolding in a helium fuel tank. The company was grounded for five and a half months, where it made the necessary adjustments to the rocket's design. More updates and details on SpaceX are expected soon.
