SpaceX has set the launch date for its first Falcon 9 rocket launch from the Space Coast since a rocket exploded in September.
- SpaceX planning for Feb. 18 Falcon 9 rocket launch
- 1st SpaceX launch from Brevard County since September explosion
- Launch will happen at Kennedy Space Center
- RELATED: Space Coast launch schedule
SpaceX is targeting Feb. 18 for the launch to the International Space Station. No launch window has been set yet.
The launch will happen at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A. That historic launch pad has seen countless shuttle and rocket launches, but no spacecraft has launched from there since space shuttle Atlantis lifted off for the final time in 2011.
SpaceX renovated the pad, especially to launch its Falcon 9 Heavy rocket. This will be SpaceX's first launch from Kennedy Space Center.
The Falcon 9 will carry cargo up to the ISS.
This is the first time SpaceX has launched a rocket from Brevard County since a Falcon 9 rocket exploded during testing on a launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station last September.
SpaceX determined the likely cause of the explosion was a failure in the rocket's helium pressure tanks. The explosion caused damage to the launch pad.
SpaceX's first launch since the explosion actually took place at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California last month.
Assuming this launch is successful, SpaceX has several other launches planned this year from Kennedy Space Center.
The company's president told reporters this week they hope to launch rockets every two to three weeks.