SpaceX has completed the system test for Block 5 Falcon 9, the launch vehicle for Bangabandhu-1 satellite.
The static fire test was completed on Friday at a launch complex of the Kennedy Space Center in Orlando, Florida.
SpaceX said in a tweet, the test, ahead of next week’s launch of Bangladesh’s first satellite, was completed.
“Vehicle is healthy. Data review will take a few days—will confirm a target launch date once that review is complete,” reads the post.
Static fire is system tests of a fully integrated space launch vehicle and its associated ground support equipment prior to launch.
The spacecraft or payload may or may not be attached to the launch vehicle during the static fire, but sufficient elements of the rocket and all relevant ground support equipment are in place to help verify that the rocket is ready for flight, with the goal of allowing problems to be seen prior to the actual launch.
Bangladesh officials said that SpaceX is expected to provide them with a report on Saturday.
“If the outcomes are positive, then they will confirm a launch date. But the test was successful,” Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Chairman Shahjahan Mahmood said.
Project Director of Bangabandhu-1 Mezbah-uz- Zaman echoed, but said they will wait for SpaceX’s report before confirming that the test was successful.