12/8/10 SpaceX: SPLASHDOWN!!!

-Dragon capsule after splashdown in pacific ocean. Photo by Mike Altenhofen-

Flawless Victory!!!

  

I dedicate the name of this post to a tweet @SpaceXer sent on December 8th, which for me signified the end of the historic launch which happened that very day. SpaceX had launched their Falcon 9 rocket for the second time flawlessly. Not only that, the Falcon 9 also had the mission to deliver the Dragon capsule which sat atop the rocket into low earth orbit. From there, the Dragon capsule had to make 2 full orbits around the Earth, and come back down to earth, which involves re-entering our atmosphere safely, and deploying parachutes correctly in order to provide the safe trip all the way back down. All done flawlessly. On top of that, 8 free-flying payloads were also put on the Falcon 9 and were deployed safely including the first army-built satellite to fly in 50 years. For safety reasons, on almost every system and component (parachutes, reaction control thrusters, avionics etc...) there was some level of redundancy to ensure that if some part failed, Dragon could still make it home safely. Amazingly, not a single redundant system was necessary since all systems worked nominally...nominally? I guess that is another way of saying FLAWLESSLY!

Why was this a historic launch? 

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11/22/10 Another First for SpaceX...

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Great work SpaceX!

After a successful test launch of their Falcon 9 vehicle, SpaceX now looks to launch their second Falcon 9 vehicle, with a dragon space capsule on top. The FAA has just issued a license to SpaceX stating that they are able to allow their Dragon space capsule to re-enter Earths atmosphere, and land in the pacific ocean. Re-entry of a spacecraft has never been attempted by a commercial company, due to the complexity and danger involved.

The significant part of all this...

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NASA: Replaced

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-Shot of the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket-

When you think space exploration, do you think NASA? So do I.

Everyone understands that NASA is the leader in space exploration, both human and robotic. NASA has the knowledge, the money, and the will to explore a great unknown, the vastness of space. Neil DeGrasse Tyson recently said, "NASA as best as I can judge, Is a force of nature like none other." I agree with Mr. Tyson on this point. Out of every governmental department, NASA inspires more of the youth than any other. When was the last time you saw a kid excited about potentially working for the department of agriculture? The fact that NASA is a government agency, and people have such positive opinions about it means a lot. It can also wield great power when it is given the power to wield it. Unfortunately, therein lies the major problem I have with NASA as the leader in U.S. space exploration.

When NASA is given the power, it can do amazing things. When it is not given the power, it cannot do amazing things. 

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SpaceX: Making History

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SpaceX - Who are they?

SpaceX is an aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, the co-founder of other amazing companies such as Tesla Motors, and Paypal (heard of it? yes you have!). Just like with Robert Bigelow, Elon Musk is an entrepreneur ready to change how we get to space. On September 28, 2008, SpaceX was the first commercial company ever to launch a liquid fueled rocket to orbit the earth. On July 15th, 2009, they were the first commercial company to put a commercial satellite in orbit.  As early as May 8th, they will launch their Falcon 9 rocket, which is being developed for the purposes of launching large payloads, and Astronauts.

Why should we care? Doesn't NASA do that all the time?

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