
SpaceX delays launch in the wake of rocket explosion.
According to phys.org, the Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX will not launch on schedule. The launch has been delayed due to the June 28 mishap when one of the space company’s unmanned supply spacecraft bound for the International Space Station (ISS) was destroyed in an explosion.
Gwynne Shotwell, the president of SpaceX, confirmed the delay at a scientific forum in California. She reported that the space company is still a couple of months away from its next launch.
“We’re taking more time than we originally envisioned to get back to flight,” Shotwell said. “But I don’t think any of our customers wants us to race to the cliff and fail again.”
The Falcon 9 spacecraft involved in the accident had $110 million worth of supplies for the ISS crew when it was caught in an explosion and disintegrated.
Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, reported that a two-foot long metal strut had failed to initiate during the launch. The metal strut, which was bought from a supplier, was designed to hold down a helium bottle as the rocket reaches its second stage.
Musk added that the space company would henceforth test every metal strut used for the rocket instead of relying on the certification of the subcontractor.
While NASA has allowed SpaceX to head the investigation regarding the launch mishap, this decision is now being questioned by Congress members.
SpaceX constructs its own rockets, capsules and engines at a factory located near the Los Angeles International Airport.
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