SpaceX is scheduled to 4 critical missions in 2017, beginning with the February 18 launch to carry some supplies from NASA to the International Space Station. The company is also aiming towards increase the number of its launches, which could ultimately help the company's plans to colonize Mars in the future.
SpaceX Gearing Towards Several Missions In 2017
According to LatinosHealth, after the said NASA re-resupply mission, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, better known by its nickname, SpaceX, is gearing up for 3 more critical missions, including the re-launching of the previously used first-stage rocket, the first launch of the Falcon Heavy rocket, along with an unmanned test flight of the Space capsule.
This increase in a number of rocket launches means that SpaceX can tune its techniques in launching and recovering the first stage rockets. The space company is also going to use the new pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after it becomes online within the next week.
SpaceX To Utilize NASA Space Pad
According to CUNews, the renovated and improved launch pad will be used to launch the Falcon 9 and the Falcon Heavy rockets. The Falcon Heavy is slated to make its first ever flight this year; the Falcon Heavy is modeled and designed to be the most powerful rocket in the world.
In a recent interview, SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said that they are also planning to launch the Falcon 9 rockets every two to three weeks. This constant number of launches comes after the Falcon 9 rocket exploded on its launch pad during a routine test last year.
SpaceX's Falcon Rockets & Their Collaboration With NASA
As recorded, the SpaceX Falcon 9 then went on to perform a flawless launch and successful delivery of Iridium Communications Incorporated's satellites last January 14, 2017. SpaceX currently still has a contract with Iridium to put more satellites into orbit throughout 2018.
SpaceX is scheduled to launch its first unmanned flight test of the capsule, which, if successful, will then be used to carry astronauts to the space station in November 2017. The manned test flight is officially scheduled in May 2018.
