Space X is ready for its first mission to space. Last Sunday, the Elon Musk-owned company has completed a static fire test of its Falcon 9 rocket ahead of its planned cargo launch to the International Space Station on Feb. 18.
According to a report by Ars Tecnica, during the test, all nine of the Falcon 9's Merlin-1D engines fired while the rocket was clamped down. The launch will carry a bit of history since it will be the company's first from the Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Space X acquired the rights to use the complex which started in 2014.
The website of Cyber Parse revealed that Launch Complex 39A has been the launching site of the Apollo missions with the exception of Apollo 10 and the first 24 Shuttle missions. Space X plans to use Launch Complex-39A as launching pads for its Falcon Heavy rocket and commercial crew missions. Launch Complex 40 was severely damaged in a Sept. 1, 2016 static fire test.
A report in VG Today confirmed a scheduled Feb. 18 cargo launch by Space X. If no major problem arises, a Dragon cargo ship carrying over 5,200 pounds of supplies and equipment will launch at 10:01 am on Feb. 18 at the International Space Station. However, Space X must first secure a license from the Federal Aviation Administration to be able to launch.
Aside from Pad 39A and LC-40 in Florida, Space X also has launch complexes in Vandenberg Air Force Base and is currently constructing new launch pads in Texas. The planned launch will be the 10th operational cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station.
First built in the 1960s, the launch complex served as support for the massive Saturn V before it underwent modification for the shuttle launch. Space X will have two Space Coast pads available after Launch Complex 40 is completely repaired later this year.
