The Falcon 9 rocket’s launch of NASA satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base continues to experience delays, although authorities remain mum about the troubles keeping the missions earthbound.
Once planned for Feb. 27, the SpaceX rocket’s liftoff won’t occur any earlier than 7:09 p.m. Saturday, according to NASA officials.
“The additional time will allow SpaceX to complete rocket preparations ahead of liftoff,” NASA officials said in a written statement that lacks details typically provided by the civilian space agency.
Following liftoff, SpaceX reportedly intends to land the first-stage booster at Vandenberg, west of Space Launch Complex-4. Landing will occur between seven and eight minutes after launch and may cause sonic booms.
The newest delay came after the Federal Aviation Administration belatedly confirmed that the Falcon 9 rocket fleet had been grounded for two days earlier this week.
That action occurred after a Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage booster experienced a fire after landing on the droneship. The fire damaged one of the landing legs, topping the booster.
The FAA previously responded within hours of a launch mishap but took two days to confirm the status of the Falcon program.
“The FAA determined the event happened during licensed activities and declared it a mishap. SpaceX is required to perform a mishap investigation and submit the final report to the FAA,” officials said in a written statement. “The FAA authorized the Falcon 9 launch vehicle to return to flight on March 4.”
The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation touts “safety is our North Star,” and, “We protect the public, property, and U.S. national security interests.”
A change in how the FAA handles SpaceX mishaps appears to have occurred as the company’s leader, Elon Musk, has assumed a high-profile role in the Trump administration amid questions about conflict of interest.
The latest delay for the Vandenberg missions occurred before the Starship launch mishap Thursday afternoon following the liftoff from Texas.
The Vandenberg launch also will follow another NASA mission that hitched a ride on a Falcon rocket launched from Florida last week.
Lunar Trailblazer experienced troubles after separating from the rocket with controllers working to re-establish communication with the craft, NASA representatives said.
The team believes the spacecraft is spinning slowly in a low-power state, with hopes the solar panels receive more sunlight and boost power to support communications and operations.
When it ultimately lifts off, the Vandendberg rocket is set to deliver the SPHEREx satellite (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer). The spacecraft will map the universe seeking signs of key ingredients for life in the galaxy.
Also hitching a ride will be the PUNCH mission (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) with four suitcase-size satellites. The quartet of craft will observe the sun’s corona as it transitions into the solar wind, which can affect power grids and communication systems on Earth.