SpaceX Encounters First Launch Delay Due To Coronavirus

On Tuesday, the Air Force's 45th Space Wing confirmed that the timing for SpaceX's upcoming SAOCOM launch, which was set to take off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on March 30 using a Falcon 9 rocket, has been put on "indefinite" hold due to the impact of the current coronavirus crisis. TechCrunch reports: Vandenberg has declared a public health emergency as of this past weekend, and while there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the base thus far, the Air Force is limiting access to essential personnel, and providing only essential services, in addition to taking additional precautions to protect the safety of those who have to remain on site. The delay comes shortly after the company successfully launched 60 more of its Starlink satellites. The report notes that SpaceX still appears to be on track for its current mid-to-late May launch schedule for the first Commercial Crew mission with NASA.

What's that sound

[moxrespawn]

I think I hear the Fermi Paradox waking up.

disasters

[harvey the nerd]

Definitely want to avoid infecting outer space. Might destroy the Universe...

Re:

[sysrammer]

I suspect that the Universe considers us (and all of our DNA cousins) are the virus.

Re:

[harvey the nerd]

An STD really. Sexually transmitted disease.

Can't they launch it while teleworking?

[jfdavis668]

If Tesla can drive the car for you, you think they would have figured out how to remotely mount, fuel and launch a rocket by now.

Re:

[AHuxley]

Shifts of needed workers in mil grade personal protective equipment?

Bad day for spacex

[ElizabethGreene]

They also lost a crew dragon test article too. Not a good day for SpaceX.