UP Aerospace won’t launch a second rocket from Spaceport America this year because it hasn’t yet figured out what went wrong with the first launch.
The company had originally planned several launches before the end of 2006, but when the Sept. 25 launch went awry, those plans were put on hold. The company hasn’t yet figured out what happened, and won’t try another launch until it does.
According to the Las Cruces Sun-News, the company has doubled the number of launches it plans in 2008 to make up for this year’s delays.
This is another setback for the company and the spaceport. State officials need the data collected from a successful launch to space before they can submit an application for an FAA license. They can’t spend the more than $100 million appropriated last year by the legislature until they have the license.
Virgin Galactic isn’t likely to sign a lease until the project moves forward.
At the same time, officials don’t want a second, failed launch. It would be devastating for the company and an embarrassment to the state. It’s important to get it right.
If the company hasn’t successfully launched before the end of the 2007 legislative session in March, lawmakers are likely to be skeptical about appropriating more money for the project. The governor’s administration plans to ask them for $25 million for roads and infrastructure.
Stay tuned.