Falcon Heavy test cannot continue due to closure of parts of the US government

Because part of the US government has been closed due to a so-called shutdown, a static fire test of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket cannot take place on Monday. The test is important for the launch of the rocket that would take place this month.

The Verge writes that SpaceX will need the support of the US Air Force in conducting the test. However, a spokesman for the 45th Space Wing, which supports launches and other activities at Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center, tells the site there are no civilian personnel to provide support. A spokesperson for SpaceX confirms to the site that the test can indeed go ahead and that it plays a critical role for future missions. Due to the fact that the test, which starts the Falcon Heavy’s 27 engines, has been postponed several times this month, the final launch of the Falcon Heavy may not take place until February or later.

Other missions of the space company are also experiencing the consequences of the shutdown, the spokesman said. The Verge notes that a Senate vote will be held Monday afternoon in the US, which will provide funding that will end the government shutdown. This has been in effect since Saturday morning, because a deadline for making budget agreements was not met. As a result, the US government can no longer spend money, according to the NOS. As a result, only the most important government services, such as the army and the postal service, remain open. In the current case, however, the measure does affect the civilian personnel of the air force unit.