SpaceX suffered a major setback earlier this month when its Falcon 9 rocket exploded before its launch. At the time of the explosion, the space vehicle was being fueled for a static fire test. After a thorough investigation, it has been found that the explosion may have occurred due to a breach in its helium system, located inside the booster's second-stage liquid oxygen tank.
SpaceX carried out the investigation in collaboration with industry and government experts. The company did not provide details about the findings. The reason behind the breach of the helium system is not known. According to The Verge, SpaceX said that it is exploring all the plausible causes and that its Accident Investigation Team is carrying out the inquiry. The process includes analyzing 3,000 channels of data along with audio and video recording of the incident.
CBS News reported that SpaceX has not found any connection between this incident and a mishap related to Falcon 9 in 2015. In its first update regarding the situation at launch complex 40, the company said that "substantial areas of the pad systems were affected." However, no major damage occurred to SpaceX's Falcon Support Building. The pad's control systems have also been reported to be in "relatively good condition."
SpaceX is looking to resume its spaceflight operations soon. The company plans to carry out a launch in November. SpaceX has the option of using the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California or Launch Complex 39A in Cape Canaveral.
SpaceX is also working to get its vehicles ready for NASA's Commercial Crew Program.