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12/26/2024 09:38:25 am

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Falcon 9 For Dod Certification Next Month Confirmed

Falcon's new 9v1.1 vehicle of Space Exploration technologies gets the certification to start its mission under the U.S Department of Defense-as early as next month, June.  This could end the conflict on pushing the approval of F9 to fly for defense payloads under the agreement between SpaceX and the U.S Air Force.

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April last year, NewSpace filed a complaint against the use of the Russian-build RD-180 on Dod Flights. The lawsuit tried to call the attention of the increasing number of national security payload being sent to orbit using the RD-180. As recorded, it is also the same year when Russia is having a military campaign in the Ukraine and had stated aggressive opinions about the country's connection in U.S space efforts. The result of the lawsuit is to ban all the import of additional RD-180s which is approved immediately.

Based on Air Force Times report, Air Force Space commander and Missile Systems Center can approve and certify the Falcon 9 as long as the company agrees that it can make design, test and be able to launch the rocket. So far, Falcon 9 v1.0 and v1.1 have been able to bring 18 successful flights without any major problems. For sure SpaceX will also reach the same record.

The agreement also requires the SpaceX to really assure everyone that it can carry payload to orbit from time to time. The company has been trying to show that they can launch it regularly despite of the F9's flight delay.

On April 13, SpaceX launched its sixth operational Cargo Resupply Services flight (CRS-6) on one of its Dragon Spacecraft going to the International Space Station. It was followed by another flight when they launched the TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT satellite less than two weeks of interval on April 27.

Once Falcon 9 is going to be certified, it can now participate with the other rockets in space which mission is to carry out defense, according to Space Flight Insider.

SpaceX has already established its name and they got an impressive record in terms of its progress starting in 2002. By 2010, the company was able to launch its first Falcon 9 rocket during a test flight. Five years after, the company has been to International Space Station for seven times by launching the Dragon spacecraft. Now they upgraded it to the latest v1.1 version of the Falcon 9 and it is lease for 20-year contract with NASA's Launch Complex 39A. Its first launch is set in Vandenberg Airforce Base in California and started working on a new launch location closer to Texas. 

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