Private Rocket Goes to Space


(YouTube link)

SpaceX has succeeded in their attempt to launch the Falcon 1 rocket into space. The company, headed by eBay co-founder Elon Musk, had made three unsuccessful tries before yesterday's launch.
The tensest moment came just before stage separation. At that critical juncture, the third launch attempt had failed. This time, it worked out perfectly.

Eight minutes after leaving the ground, Falcon 1 reached a speed of 5200 meters per second and passed above the International Space Station.

"I don't know what to say... because my mind is just blown," said Musk, during a brief address to his staff after the successful launch. "This is just the first step of many."

The feat is a giant leap forward for privately-funded space ventures, and follows the spectacular 2004 suborbital flight of SpaceShipOne.

http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/09/space-x-did-it.html

Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

Ah, the dream to fly to space for the masses has finally taken a step in the right direction! Bravo! 50 or so years from now I would love to think we'd be able to fly out into orbit at least once in our lifetimes.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
eBay-->PayPal

I never tire of these rocket-cam videos. Congrats to Elon and the whole Space-X crew. While Spaceship1 and the whole Rutan team took the Ansari X-Prize, I consider private orbital flight to be a more impressive achievement. Good on ya, mates!
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"Private Rocket Goes to Space"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More