SpaceX Dragon launch

[Radagast]

SpaceX are about to launch the second of their COTS Demo Flights, using the Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon spacecraft. Guess we'll see if it goes as smoothly as in 2010. Launch is scheduled in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Updates at www.spacex.com.

 

[Radagast]

OK. That went nowhere.

 

[TemperateSeaIsland]

Aborted just before launch, oh well. Is Tuesday the next launch window?

 

[Radagast]

Is Tuesday the next launch window?

Seems to be.

 

[Michael]

I can't believe I got up at 2:30 in the morning to watch that. I loved the "and liftoff?" with the big question mark at the end, just as the engines went into shutdown mode.

 

[Michael]

SpaceX replaces engine valve, clears rocket for Tuesday launch | Cutting Edge - CNET News

Ok,

They replaced the offending valve, and the new scheduled launch time is 3:44 AM EST, early tomorrow morning. I sure hope they've have better luck tomorrow.

In all fairness, I've been more scrubbed NASA Shuttle launches than I've been to successful takeoffs. It's not at all uncommon to have a few hick-ups at the start, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. All it takes is ONE faulty part to ruin an entire launch. Space travel isn't the most forgiving endeavor.

Good Luck SpaceX.

 

[bigbadwilf]

Aborted just before launch, oh well. Is Tuesday the next launch window?

A lot better than aborting just after launch.

We'll see what happens tomorrow.

 

[TemperateSeaIsland]

Successful launch and dragon is in orbit.

 

[Elendur]

Successful launch and dragon is in orbit.

Cool

 

[Tinker Grey]

Very good.

 

[Michael]

SpaceX rocket blasts off from Cape Canaveral - New York News | New York Breaking News | NYC Headlines

Congrats to SpaceX! They are the first private company to put a payload into orbit. That's no small accomplishment. Nicely done.

 

[Elendur]

Very good.

I can't stop reading this with mister Burns voice, even though he most often says 'excellent'

 

[athenken]

Heard this on the news this morning. They are projecting there will be manned flights within 5 years.

 

[florida2]

Fantastic news! Really exciting how space travel and exploration is developing at an ever more rapid pace.

 

[Eudaimonist]

I'm excited about this. I look forward to more private involvement in space.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[Michael]

IMO it's really quite impressive that a private company managed to accomplish what most governments on planet Earth have yet to accomplish. Successfully launching a payload into space is no small accomplishment. It should be an exciting next couple of decades for space travel.

 

[Eudaimonist]

SpaceX Launch - SpaceX Employees Cheering Outside Mission Control - YouTube

 

[TemperateSeaIsland]

If anyone fancies running a space program there is a fun little game out on alpha...

Kerbal Space Program Teaser Trailer - YouTube

Not finished yet but the early build is for free.

I'm pretty terrible at it.

 

[TerranceL]

If anyone fancies running a space program there is a fun little game out on alpha...

Kerbal Space Program Teaser Trailer - YouTube

Not finished yet but the early build is for free.

I'm pretty terrible at it.

I've had this for a few months now. It's immensely fun.

So far I'm really good at getting into orbit! Just not doing anything but orbiting the sun once I get out there..... oh well.

 

[Michael]

Dragon arrives at space station in historic 1st - Yahoo! News

Congrats on reaching the space station! That's another first for a private company. I wonder if NASA will pay for that payload delivery via Paypal?