SPACEX/NASA DISCUSS LAUNCH OF FALCON 9 ROCKET AND DRAGON CAPSULE
Space,Post,Launch,Briefing
During a press briefing at The Kennedy Space Center on May 22, SpaceX and NASA officials discussed the launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule on a demonstration flight to the International Space Station. Falcon 9 and Dragon lifted off Tuesday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 3:44 a.m. EDT. On Thursday, May 24, Dragon will perform a flyby of the space station at a distance of approximately 1.5 miles to validate the operation of sensors and flight systems necessary for a safe rendezvous and approach. Following analysis of the flyby by NASA and SpaceX managers, the Dragon capsule will be cleared to rendezvous and berth with the space station on Friday, May 25, marking the first time a commercial company has attempted this feat.
#SPACEXNASA #DISCUSS #LAUNCH #FALCON #ROCKET #DRAGON #CAPSULE
SPACEX/NASA DISCUSS LAUNCH OF FALCON 9 ROCKET AND DRAGON CAPSULE
20 Comments
20 Comments
fingers crossed. legs crossed. let’s hope the capsule docks.
If you see space exploration as a worthwhile thing for humans to pursue, then SpaceX’s attempt to reduce the cost of launching will be obvious. If not, then everything NASA/SpaceX/COTS/CRS does will be pointless to those people. It’s like going to a sporting/political press conference and asking why should we care: many don’t and that’s fine. But then there’s really no need to ask the question.
For the few below wondering about why they answered some questions in not so elegant and rapid return. These are Tech people, not politicians. They’re used to focusing on broad technical movements or focused endeavors. They are not tuned up on nice political jargon to make the masses feel good about themselves. I’m sure if you engage them in a more technical conversation they would feel comfortable and excel. Leave the grandiose speeches to the ones who trained all their life for that.
Wouldn’t a private manned space program outsource it’s vehicle production to China eventually? We already pay the Russians to do it. Seems like a plausible end to privatizing this project. The government will still pay for the vehicles, contracting to private groups, but American workers won’t be to blame for high costs. Maybe that’s all republicans need to send men to Mars! Private industry attempts to do what the Russians did 51 years ago. If this succeeds, I’ll give a hurray for China.
CNN of course asks about human remains…of course. WTF???
ah but the difference is that a PRIVATE Corporation is doing this (sure with a ton of help from Nasa, but still at 1/10th the cost). Only Russia, the US, and China has ever had a spacecraft that can go into orbit and come back. This is HUGE. This is the vehicle of America’s next stage of spaceflight exploration. Mark. My. Words.
“the engines lighted” lol ‘not the engines lit’
Tell Mark hi from me!
Go watch the video “Neil deGrasse Tyson Testifies Before Senate Science Committee, March 7, 2012 ” He elaborates pretty well why people should care about space technology and exploration.
I didn’t even know that existed. I just want to say that it was a joy just glancing at the ITAR. I suppose it’s true that advanced rocket technology can’t be outsourced. The Trans-Solar Asteroad will fuel a stronger American labor force and carry another generation of pioneers and entrepreneurs to the frontiers–the Final Frontier!
I saw it last week. I do like this one better: watch?v=VLzKjxglNyE . Same topic, more passion.
Cant help but notice the overwhelming smile on Cwynne Shotwell’s face compared to when the launch failed 🙂
SpaceX is not developing or manufacturing ANY technology in China or other foreign nations.
Because the Russian space program is still a socialist space program, as was shuttle and the chinese and ESA. Russia charges NASA $57 million per astronaut seat to the ISS, while Musk is quoting $47 million currently and says they could drop the price as low as $20 million per seat given enough volume.
I agree 😛
Good call CrusaderAmerica, seems that some folks just dont have a clue when it comes to historic missions. Before too long the Dragon capsule will be carrying up to 6 Astronauts and later this year Spacex is supposed to launch the Dragon Heavy which I cant wait to see. It will have the lifting capability close to the Saturn V. Imagine a company like this unhindered by governmental constipation. Way to go SpaceX Bravo!!
Outstanding job SpaceX!!!
Glad to see an efficient small player shake up the BIG guys…
Thanks for all your hard work.
Actually they have tested seating for up to 7 astronauts in dragon 😉
so?? will you talk about ETs and contact confirmation?
I can’t tell if Gwynne is really happy or just very smug. Or both, maybe.