WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. (AP) - Despite a massive explosion in October, authorities say a state-owned launch pad at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility should be repaired and ready for testing late next year.
Orbital Sciences' Antares rocket exploded seconds after liftoff on Oct. 28. The rocket was carrying a cargo ship was bound for the International Space Station.
The Virginia Commercial Spaceflight Authority provided media outlets a tour of the launch pad damage Wednesday. Two lightning towers were knocked down by the blast, while the two others were heavily damaged. A water tower next to the launch pad has some charring and had exterior lighting damaged. A large crater was created next to the launch pad and is undergoing environmental remediation.
Two nearby buildings scheduled to be removed prior to the explosion were also damaged.
Senator Tim Kane
Senator Tim Kaine says he optimistic that NASA’sWallops Flight Facility will be back in business.
The Virginia Democrat’s assessment came after speaking with Chincoteague officials and business representative about the economic impact of accident.
Kaine along with fellow Virginia Senator Mark Warner and Maryland’s senior Senator Barbara Mikulski secured $20 million in the defense spending bill for repairs to the launch site.
It was Kaine’s first opportunity to talk with officials from NASA, Orbital Sciences Corporation and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport.
