The competition for getting back into space is strong. Very cool.
1/22 – USAF Space and Missile Systems Center – SpaceX Falcon 9 upgrade certified for National Security Space Launches – Upgraded Falcon 9 has been approved for military launches. Gives SpaceX increased opportunities for USAF work.
2/1 – Behind the Black – Another 5 month slip of first Falcon Heavy launch – April was the expected date for the first demonstration launch of the new Falcon Heavy. September is now the expected first launch. That is a five month delay. Falcon Heavy will be a Falcon 9 with two boosters strapped to its side.
Schedule of launches for the Falcon 9 is slipping, caused by upgrades to the vehicle.
2/4 – Behind the Black – Falcon 9 to be modified – We now know the reason the SpaceX schedule has been pushed back. The company test fired their recovered Falcon 9 booster, learned from the test, and is modifying the booster. The company has an advantage over every other space launch company ever – – they have a recovered booster and can see what actually happened.
Whatever it is they discovered, they want to incorporate into all future launches.
A momentary delay for big gain on every further launch. Very cool.