Last week, SpaceX and mobile voice and data satellite company Iridium (NASDAQ: IRDM) announced a Dec. 16 mission for SpaceX’s return to flight. The planned launch comes after the American rocket company’s Falcon 9 exploded on the launch pad, destroying the rocket and a $200 million payload, in September. After being grounded for three months, this launch’s success is critical for the future of SpaceX. But, before liftoff, the launch will need to be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration first.