Post by mercuryman on Jun 4, 2010 15:00:46 GMT -5
SpaceX launched its first 'proper' rocket today (i.e. the rocket that will be used commercially) the Falcon 9.
The Falcon 9 is intended to be used for supplying the International Space Station after the space shuttle retires.
It is also intended to provide future human transport to orbital space.
No non-government organisation has yet to accomplish this.
Also, they managed this for about 10% of the usual cost for this kind of rocket. Impressive stuff!
Remember this moment, its a historic one for humans in space.
Photos: spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/001/launch/
Iphone video (great sound) www.twitvid.com/E2JKU
Note: Others (such as SpaceShipOne, the precursor to Virgins SpaceShipTwo) have successfully gotten a person to space, but getting into orbit is a whole new ball game, MUCH more difficult to get something into a stable orbit than 'just' to get into space.
The Falcon 9 is intended to be used for supplying the International Space Station after the space shuttle retires.
It is also intended to provide future human transport to orbital space.
No non-government organisation has yet to accomplish this.
Also, they managed this for about 10% of the usual cost for this kind of rocket. Impressive stuff!
Remember this moment, its a historic one for humans in space.
Photos: spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/001/launch/
Iphone video (great sound) www.twitvid.com/E2JKU
Note: Others (such as SpaceShipOne, the precursor to Virgins SpaceShipTwo) have successfully gotten a person to space, but getting into orbit is a whole new ball game, MUCH more difficult to get something into a stable orbit than 'just' to get into space.
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