NASA says Antares rocket will launch in July

Sometime in July, that’s when NASA officials say we could see the launch of the new Antares rocket at Wallops Island.

The last Antares rocket launch failed in 2014 when the rocket exploded during take off.

NASA says the first order of business will be to give the launch pad a hot fire test sometime this month.

NASA previously said that they were scheduled for two launches in 2016.

However Tuesday they said increased activity at the international space station may change that.

“It’ll depend on the traffic model at the station. Getting pretty busy up there, but we’ll be ready for two launches if they need them,” said Frank Culvertson with ATK Orbital.

Sen.Barbara Mikulski toured the facility and dropped July 6 in conversation with reporters as the date for that launch.

NASA officials denied afterwards that an exact date has been set.