Four segments and dummy 2nd stage not with standing, this is a critical first step in testing the flight hardware and associated systems. A lot more than a mere media event as you so belittlingly term it. of course, if this were some altspace start up it would be celebrated as if it were the 2nd coming.<br /><br />Jon <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Whether we become a multi-planet species with unlimited horizons, or are forever confined to Earth will be decided in the twenty-first century amid the vast plains, rugged canyons and lofty mountains of Mars</em> Arthur Clarke</p> </div>