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After Weeks of Delay, SpaceX Falcon Launches Communications Satellite Payload

Posted by timothy on from the people-one-day dept.

After several weeks of delay, SpaceX has successfully launched from Cape Canaveral AsiaSat's communications satellite, AsiaSat 6. This launch was originally intended to occur on August 27. However, due to a failure of an experimental SpaceX rocket during a test flight, the launch was delayed. The experimental rocket apparently malfunctioned because of a sensor error. The company stated that the same error wasn’t likely to occur in its regular Falcon 9 rocket, but wanted to "triple-check" its systems to be certain. SpaceFlightInsider has a play-by-play on the launch process and more details on the communications satellites aboard. They note: [This] marked the fifth flight of the Falcon 9 in 2014. Since the company began using the booster, it had only been able to carry out about two launches annually of the rocket – until now. With the United States Air Force considering the rocket for use under the lucrative Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program and NASA already utilizing it to deliver cargo (and potentially crew) to the International Space Station, the rocket has become a popular player in terms of launch services. The next mission that SpaceX should use the propulsive descent landing system on, is the launch of one of the firm’s Dragon spacecraft carrying out NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 4 (SpX-4) mission – currently scheduled to take place on Sept. 19.

4 of 32 comments (clear)

  1. After weeks of delay.... by bmajik · · Score: 4, Insightful

    bmajik launches a first post.

    According to the mission profile, due to moderation, his positive karma will burn up during re-entry.

    More seriously, I'm glad Space X is apparently doing things right. More successful launches... not just more launch attempts. The eyes are on them and lots of vested interests are looking to pounce and capitalize once they make a serious mistake.

    --
    My opinions are my own, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer.
  2. Hooray for Space-X by phayes · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Pushing the limits till they find them during testing, ensuring that their commercial vehicles don't suffer from any of the bugs discovered & then launching flawlessly.

    You guys inspire me.

    --
    Democracy is a sheep and two wolves deciding what to have for lunch. Freedom is a well armed sheep contesting the issue
    1. Re:Hooray for Space-X by dpilot · · Score: 4, Insightful

      The rigtht way to do capitalism, as opposed to the way it's generally practiced in the US, with the cart in front of the horse.

      --
      The living have better things to do than to continue hating the dead.
    2. Re:Hooray for Space-X by 0123456 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      The rigtht way to do capitalism, as opposed to the way it's generally practiced in the US, with the cart in front of the horse.

      That's 'cause Musk isn't an MBA.

      Some days, I honestly think the MBA must have been a Soviet plot to destroy the West.