SpaceX Targets Dec. 16 for Falcon 9 Return to Flight
Iridium NEXT first launch date set for Dec 16 at 12:36 PST, pending regulatory approvals #NEXTevolution.”
— IridiumIR (@IridiumIR) December 1, 2016
Falcon 9 is scheduled to launch 10 Iridium satellites from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. it will be the first flight of the booster since one blew up on the launch pad while being fueled for a test on Sept. 1. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would need to sign off on the flight before it could occur. That approval would come after the FAA reviews the results of SpaceX’s investigation into the September accident.
4 responses to “SpaceX Targets Dec. 16 for Falcon 9 Return to Flight”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I hope there is not an earthquake. LOX has exploded when dropped on
asphalt. The epoxy covered graphite filaments on the helium tanks when
soaked with LOX can ignite with a light blow. Maybe shaking or
vibration? Carbon or petro chemicals, like epoxy, when soaked in LOX can
ignite with a light blow(wiki). Maybe cured epoxy shields the carbon,
but if the epoxy cracks. The F-9s shock from loading LOX may have set
the ignition off. Put a stick in LOX and it bursts into flames. Maybe
NASA has found this is not a problem. Seems dangerous to me. Sort of
like nitroglycerine I found a mention that earlier version of F-9 had
the helium tank outside the LOX tank in the engine area. NASA should ask
SpaceX to build them this version. Take the landing legs off to save
weight as there is only a 10% saving on used rockets. If this version
can not launch Dragon 2, then modify a Dragon 1, which is lighter.
SpaceX almost had Dragon 1 converted to crew in ’12, so must not be much
to do. A tower escape system is needed.
If this Iridium launch attempt ends abruptly with a BOOM!!! Then say goodbye to SpaceX customers who will depart very quickly.
Stop being so stupid.
I would like to see data on the COPV in LOX.