SpaceX's first NASA demonstration flight appears to be off to an excellent start after a Falcon 9 rocket delivered the first functioning Dragon spacecraft to orbit. The rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 10:43 a.m., on the day's second launch attempt.
The rocket flew nearly due east from Launch Complex 40 into a clear blue sky, forming a few puffy contrails on the ride up.
The first stage fell away as planned just over three minutes into flight. A NASA recovery ship will attempt to retrieve it from the Atlantic Ocean. About nine minutes and 30 seconds later the mission achieved a major milestone with successful separation of the Dragon capsule.
It's scheduled to fly nearly two orbits of the planet while testing communications, navigation and propulsion systems.
After firing Draco thrusters for a deorbit burn, surviving re-entry and deploying three giant large main parachutes, splashdown in the Pacific Ocean is expected around 2 p.m.
It would be the first-ever re-entry by a commercial spacecraft.
IMAGES: Click to enlarge the Florida Today image of the Falcon 9 rocket blasting off from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The image was captured by award-winning photographer Michael R. Brown, who shot the launch from the roof of the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: Michael R. Brown/Florida Today. Also: A camera on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket showed the rocket's upper stage falling away from the Dragon spacecraft in orbit.
13 comments:
C'mon haters where are you??? I hear nothing but crickets...
That's right Space X does it right!
SpaceX has successfully launched the world's first empty capsule into space.
Not even monkeys in it? Yawnn........
Space X just after liftoff and having the oxygen umbilical pulled away, as it fell and vehicle lifted off an explosion occured as it hit a black rectangular piece attached to the umbilical tower. I suspect it was residual oxygen in the umbilical that was ignited when it hit the tower. There had to be some damage. Watch the video closely and in slo-mo. Launch video is a very important data in vehicle launches. From a former vehicle systems engineer.
I just had a flashback to 1962 or so, a planned 4 orbits confirmed it. It felt like I was in 5th grade again watching rockets go off.
Ok.. tell me again why such a tiny thing is being built/flown?
Because the total cost to launch a nice big Space Shuttle is $1 billion dollars and the cost to launch a Falcon 9 is $60 million dollars. To just bring cargo to the space station - IT IS BEING DONE BECAUSE IT IS A LOT CHEAPER. Not the mention that the Falcon 9 will provide much cheaoer access to space for private company/ government satellite launches. Saving money is always a good thing.
historic day move over shuttle there's a new sheriff in town.
Go SpaceX! It's time for commercial rockets to be in the limelight. Great Job Elon!
We are on our way to making history.
A big pat on the back is due to all the employees of SpaceX for all their hard work and devotion to making this vehicle take flight. The time and effort it took all involved in this launch is mindblowing. The short nights and time spent away from family not to mention a staggering level of fatigue in commendable. These people believe in what they are doing and they are having a good time doing it.
Imagine, working the hardest you've ever worked and loving it! What a concept! I salute you all!
I'm happy SpaceX has succeeded. We need as many rockets as we can build. That will further our knowledge and extend our presence in the solar system. SpaceX should be congratulated for their success.
That said, they didn't just pull a rocket out of a hat. NASA has given them almost $278 million dollars in development money (i.e. SpaceX doesn't pay it back if they don't succeed). Yes, SpaceX has put their own money into this project, but without the NASA funds, they'd be years away from where they are now. In addition, NASA has given them the use of a launch pad, first-stage recovery by NASA ships, and the use of the Eastern Test Range for hazard avoidance, range safety, etc.
AND, they're building on 40+ years of NASA-funded space flight research and development. Without that, they'd be DECADES away from where they are now. Their success is wonderful, but they're achieving it through NASA research, development and funding.
Yes - but is that not the point of a Government risk reduction program/agency? Perform the appropriate R&D and then turn over to industry to run with it....
Unions have bankrupted our country! GET RID OF THE LAZY... hire a non-union employee and get rid of your overhead!
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