SpaceX Launch this AM At Kennedy Space Center

[jayboulware]

Link to video on the NASA site

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/video...odule=homepage

In a pivotal moment for private spaceflight, a towering white rocket lifted a cone-shaped capsule into space early Tuesday on a mission to the International Space Station.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket carried the unmanned Dragon capsule into space after a 3:44 a.m. EDT launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla., marking the first time a private company has sent a spacecraft to the space station.

The mission is considered the first test of NASA's plan to outsource space missions to privately funded companies now that its fleet of space shuttles is retired. SpaceX aims to prove to NASA that its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule are ready to take on the task of hauling cargo -- and eventually astronauts -- for the space agency.
Continued

Mixed emotions here, on the one hand this is part of the wind down of Govt backed space exploration but at the same time it opens the door to private efforts to attain space flight.

[seanjo]

Originally Posted by jayboulware

Link to video on the NASA site

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/video...odule=homepage



Mixed emotions here, on the one hand this is part of the wind down of Govt backed space exploration but at the same time it opens the door to private efforts to attain space flight.

Good really, I think, if it can be made to pay then more exploration will happen...needs to be regulated though, maybe some kind of World Federation for our Planets to make sure that proper measures are taken before using a Planets resources, some sort of Prime Directive to preserve any life that may be found....Sounds like a worthwhile Enterprise!

[seanjo]

Geek alert!

[Dat1111]

We need to get off this rock before we kill each other

[YWAHW]

Originally Posted by jayboulware

Link to video on the NASA site

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/video...odule=homepage



Mixed emotions here, on the one hand this is part of the wind down of Govt backed space exploration but at the same time it opens the door to private efforts to attain space flight.

It isn't winding down govt space exploration. It is handing over low earth orbit duty to private industry which will free up resources for their new focus which is deep space.

[seanjo]

I've just watched the news, James Doohan's (Scotty, Star Trek) ashes are on board that Rocket, apparently one of his last wishes before he died in 1985 was to spend eternity in space...kinda cut me up that has!

[rancid-death]

Is there any figures regarding cost, how much did this cost the taxpayer say compared to a Soyuz or Ariane 5 launch?

[seanjo]

Originally Posted by rancid-death

is there any figures regarding cost, how much did this cost the taxpayer say compared to a soyuz or ariane 5 launch?

article-2041763-0E09A2EC00000578-203_306x423.jpg

[BurntBulb]

Originally Posted by rancid-death

Is there any figures regarding cost, how much did this cost the taxpayer say compared to a Soyuz or Ariane 5 launch?

12 missions for 1.6 Billion. we pay Russia 63 million per individual to ride to the station. We also pay them around 40 million (?) per cargo launch.

[seanjo]

Originally Posted by BurntBulb

12 missions for 1.6 Billion. we pay Russia 63 million per individual to ride to the station. We also pay them around 40 million (?) per cargo launch.

A Billion is 100 million?