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SpaceX Successfully Launches Falcon 9 Rocket

Posted by Soulskill on from the how-much-for-a-ride dept.

leetrout writes "SpaceX has successfully launched a two-stage rocket, the Falcon 9, into Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. 'Liftoff came after hours of delay, sparked initially by launchpad telemetry problems, then by a sailboat that strayed into a restricted area of the launch range. The day's first countdown was aborted at virtually the last second, due to a problem with the engine parameters, but the launch software was adjusted and a second countdown went all the way to the end.'" Update: 06/04 20:16 GMT by S : Reader mrcaseyj points out Spaceflight Now's coverage, which includes a number of pictures from the launch.

6 of 190 comments (clear)

  1. Most important launch in decades by mrcaseyj · · Score: 5, Interesting

    What makes this one of the most important rocket launches in history is that, unlike at other rocket companies, the founder, Elon Musk, is determined to make a reusable rocket. The first stage of this rocket has been fitted with parachutes and covered with cork to protect it from the heat of reentry so that it can be recovered and studied in hopes of making them reusable in the future. The success of this launch solidifies the success of Spacex, and thereby dramaitcally increases the chances of huge benefits to humanity from much more affordable space launch. Also, the other rocket companies are probably very worried about losing all their business to Spacex now.

    1. Re:Most important launch in decades by Monkey_Genius · · Score: 5, Informative

      Only the engine cluster is designed to be 'reusable' -it separates from the first stage fuel tank after booster separation. The cork material is thermal insulation for the cryogenic LOX used in the first stage.

      --
      I've got your sig, right here.
  2. Re:Cool by hardburn · · Score: 5, Funny

    I don't want to hear anymore about Obama and his socialist plan to move space launching into the hands of private enterprise.

    --
    Not a typewriter
  3. Giant wasp from outer space? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I laughed at the feeble attempts of the giant alien wasp to stop the launch at T -5 or so. Was that you, K'breel, or one of your minions?

  4. Re:Cool by clarkkent09 · · Score: 5, Funny

    That's only because he knows that private enterprise will be more efficient in eventually allowing humans to travel to his real birthplace!

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    Negative moral value of force outweighs the positive value of good intentions.
  5. The other billionaires are the crazy ones. by mosb1000 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Actually, the crazy ones are the ones who hold on to their wealth. Money is for spending, it has no other worthwhile purpose.