“As I’m here in Africa, I’m deeply disappointed to hear that SpaceX’s launch failure destroyed our satellite that would have provided connectivity to so many entrepreneurs and everyone else across the continent”, Zuckerberg wrote.
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Israeli communications satellite operator Spacecom saw a third of its value evaporate after their satellite “Amos-6” was destroyed in the explosion of the SpaceX Falcon 9 on September 1.
Plus, Beijing Xinwei Technology Group had agreed last month the $285 million purchase of Spacecom. However, it has more than 70 missions planned for both commercial and government customers, worth an estimated £7.5 billion ($10 billion). But, a SpaceX rocket’s explosion previous week has prompted the question that whether the CEO is pushing extremely hard?
Audio clip: Listen to audio clip. Now Reuters reports that Israel-based satellite operator Spacecom could seek reimbursement for its satellite either by collecting $50 million or a free flight from SpaceX.
A SpaceX spokesman didn’t say when Falcon 9 launches might resume.
The company will need to go through a federal investigation over the explosion and rebuild the launch pad damaged in the explosion, and that will take time – lost time for telecommunications companies. The Israeli company said the loss of the satellite would have a significant impact, with its equity expected to decline by $30 million to $123 million.
SpaceX has not yet commented on how the latest mishap will affect its launch schedule for the remainder of 2016, or whether it will honour Space Communication’s compensation request. NASA said SpaceX was conducting a test firing of its unmanned rocket when a blast occurred. The company was very likely preparing a bid for the launch of another GPS III communications satellite just as it was also preparing to launch its first GPS III later this year.
Sadly, during one of the tests that were made before the launch, the satellite exploded.
The huge explosion, which was captured on film, blew apart the rocket during a pre-launch check, engulfing it in bright orange flames and clouds of thick black smoke.
“To identify the root cause of the [explosion], SpaceX began its investigation immediately after the loss, consistent with accident investigation plans prepared for such a contingency”.
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As such, this week they tried to launch a satellite in the space that will beam Internet access to areas found in sub-Saharan Africa.
