SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket To Launch From NASA's Launchpad On January 30
SpaceX with a Falcon 9 rocket is reportedly set to break in its new launchpad at the historic Kennedy Space Center (KSC) of NASA. The launch will be SpaceX's first from NASA's historic Launch Complex 39, previously used by Saturn V moon rockets and the space shuttles.
It is allegedly scheduled to happen after midnight of Jan. 30. It was also revealed that the SpaceX Falcon 9's payload will be communication satellites for the EchoStar Corporation.
A 20-year lease was apparently signed In 2014 with NASA to use the pad for Falcon 9 and other planned Falcon Heavy rockets launches, preparing launchpad 39A ready for use took on renewed urgency. This was done after a Falcon 9 rocket went up in flames on the company's primary launchpad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, sited just south of KSC on Florida's Space Coast.
The September 2016 accident destroyed the rocket and a $200 million Israeli communications satellite and also heavily damaged the launchpad. This was said to be the reason why SpaceX had to launch its next rocket from KSC.
The KSC launch follows SpaceX Falcon 9's successful launch on Jan. 14 that took place at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Apparently, the previous flight carried 10 communication satellites for the Iridium Communication Incorporated. In that mission, the rocket's first stage reportedly had a successful landing through a robotic drone ship which was stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
The September accident also grounded the Falcon 9 fleet while investigations were ongoing. Investigating teams tried to piece together why the rocket exploded while it was being fueled for its routine, prelaunch engine test.
Reportedly, as for the January 30 launch, the Federal Aviation Administration has not yet given the EchoStar flight a license along with the possible landing of the SpaceX Falcon 9's first stage.
