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NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — The Virginia Commercial Spaceflight Authority says repairs will likely take a year at the launch pad on Wallops Island where an unmanned commercial supply rocket bound for the International Space Station exploded moments after liftoff on Oct. 28.
The space flight authority says the launch pad was spared severe damage, but repairs are necessary. On Wednesday, the authority said a detailed engineering inspection of the spaceport has been completed. Officials say the cost and work schedule for the repairs are being refined, but should not exceed $20 million.
The authority owns and operates the launch pad.
Officials say initial water samples indicate there was no impact to back bays or tributaries, and soil testing showed contamination was contained in the area immediately around the crater north of the launch pad.
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