Another obstacle arose in front of the space company SpaceX, which could not send the Cargo Dragon capsule to the ISS. According to a statement from NASA, the Starship rocket could damage the “vitally important” launch pad.
NASA: SpaceX’s Starship rocket could detonate the launch pad
SpaceX wants to use the space in Cape Canaveral, Florida as an alternative to the rocket launch and test development site in Texas. SpaceX, which has been under review for a long time, accelerated the launch pad preparations for Starship.
NASA’s concerns have not diminished. The space agency sought assurance that the Starship launch would not damage the Florida launch pad. But approval of proposals by SpaceX to address NASA’s concerns could take months.
SpaceX is currently licensed to launch at one of the Florida facilities, Launch Complex 39A. However, on this ramp, only Crew Dragon can fly the capsule (Crew Dragon is a vehicle that takes astronauts to the International Space Station).
SpaceX wants to launch US astronauts with Starship from this launcher in Florida. But the company’s request faces both NASA’s concerns and months of approval reviews.
Damage to the Florida launch site could block the only way to send US astronauts to the International Space Station, NASA said in a statement. Kathy Lueders, NASA’s Head of Space Operations, said:
“We know that if we experience a failure for Starship, as with one of SpaceX’s first flights, it will be quite devastating for Launch Complex 39A.”
Also, the cargo flight SpaceX planned to launch to the International Space Station a while ago was canceled after a giant error in the Dragon capsule. SpaceX has announced that it has leaked problems in the Dragon capsule.
So what do you think about this issue? Do you think NASA is justified in its Starship concern? Do not forget to share your views with us in the comments!
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