SpaceX - Falcon 1: Flight 4

[MeteorWayne]

Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>compared to whatever soul-sucking job you have?&nbsp; I know where I'd rather be tonight. <br />Posted by ThereIWas2</DIV><br /><br />??? who were you trying to insult? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[ThereIWas2]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>??? who were you trying to insult? <br /> Posted by MeteorWayne</DIV></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Nobody!&nbsp; I just would rather be working for Elon right at this moment, to share in that feeling of accomplishment.&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><span class="postbody"><span style="font-style:italic"><br /></span></span></p> </div>

 

[Boris_Badenov]

<font size="2">And that, as they say, is that!!! How many doors will this sweet little success open. I hope to see them head to Mars by 2020. <br /><img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/Content/images/store/1/14/9199ec10-ded6-4821-9e00-69813d3c91c9.Medium.gif" alt="" /><br /></font> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font color="#993300"><span class="body"><font size="2" color="#3366ff"><div align="center">. </div><div align="center">Never roll in the mud with a pig. You'll both get dirty & the pig likes it.</div></font></span></font> </div>

 

[aphh]

I'm eager to learn about the orbit parameters, once they publish it. Maybe we can see Falcon 1 fly.<br />

 

[bc]

Elon seemed a little distracted during the interview, but who can blame him! CONGRATS SPACEX!!!!!! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[robotical]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I'm eager to learn about the orbit parameters, once they publish it. Maybe we can see Falcon 1 fly. <br /> Posted by aphh</DIV></p><p>They've done it!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p>&nbsp;This sure brightened my day after the Packers game! </p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[docm]

<p>Well...so much for the "they'll never make orbit" crowd.&nbsp; </p><p>Next excuse for pessimism please....&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[dwightlooi]

<p>First off... I am really happy today. Notch one for free enterprise space faring. On the eve of an election which threatens to put our country on a socialist course with more progressive taxation -- and a plunge towards socialization of healthcare, education and enterprise -- I am happy to see capitalism win a battle if not yet the war.</p><p><strong>But... for a moment I was really worried. At T+ 5:50 to about T+6:20 there appears to be an onset of oscillation similar to what doomed Flight #2.</strong> It started small then got progressively more pronounced over half a minute. I was practically cringing...no...no...no...and practically reciting "baby you can do it". And then it damped out, the vehicle steadied up and reaches SECO about three long minutes later after successfully blowing past the 7400m/s needed for LEO. Whew!</p><p>Anyway... CONTRATULATIONS ELON! And godspeed on all your future ventures. </p>

 

[asj2006]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>First off... I am really happy today. Notch one for free enterprise space faring. On the eve of an election which threatens to put our country on a socialist course with more progressive taxation -- and a plunge towards socialization of healthcare, education and enterprise -- I am happy to see capitalism win a battle if not yet the war.</DIV></p><p>1. The country ALREADY has embraced some tenets of socialism with the nationalization of several financial giants and the extreme use of $700 BILLION in taxpayer money to salvage hundreds if not thousands of other companies.</p><p>2. It is uninhibited capitalism that has created the big mess the country is in right now. It is the government that is saving "free enterprises"s collective a** </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p>------------------------------------------- </p><p>"Breathe. This is like most of the choices you have in life. <br />You know inside whether it's right. <br />Whether you do it is up to you." </p><p>From the Tao of Willie Nelson</p> </div>

 

[centsworth_II]

<p><font color="#333399"><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>...I am happy to see capitalism win a battle if not yet the war....<br /> Posted by dwightlooi</DIV></font><br />Remember that SpaceX is largely funded with hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars.</p><div class="name_address"><div class="address" style="color:#0000ff"><u><span class="bold">NASA Invests in Private Sector Space Flight with SpaceX, Rocketplane-Kistler</span></u></div><div class="promodatepress" style="color:#0000ff"><u><span class="bold">08.18.06</span></u></div><div>&nbsp;</div></div> <span style="color:#000080">"NASA is making an unprecedented investment in commercial space transportation services with the hope of creating a competitive market for supply flights to the International Space Station (ISS).</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000080"> Two industry partners will receive a combined total of approximately $500 million..."</span><p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[docm]

Shouldn't we keep the political aspect in the open forum? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[dwightlooi]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>1. The country ALREADY has embraced some tenets of socialism with the nationalization of several financial giants and the extreme use of $700 BILLION in taxpayer money to salvage hundreds if not thousands of other companies.2. It is uninhibited capitalism that has created the big mess the country is in right now. It is the government that is saving "free enterprises"s collective a** &nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> Posted by asj2006</DIV></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>No, actually, the root of the entire mess lies in the socialistic missions behind the formation of Freddie amd Fannie -- multiple successive administrations' native desire to increase home ownership percentages amongst their various pet ethnic and economic classes by encouraging a flow of easy, irresponsible, credit to completely unqualified borrowers. It is a naive model which worked to increase speculation and irresponsible purchases, while eventually also driving up prices way beyond what is affordable for everyone much less the classes of individuals whom the easy credit is supposed to help.&nbsp;</p><p>But, yes, this is off topic. What is important is that the oscillation which occured around T+6:00 of the Falcon 4 mission ultimately damped out and we have the first orbital flight made by a company which was formed with private capital to operate as commercial enterprise and not a cost plus subcontractor. For that, I am celebrating with champaigne. </p>

 

[job1207]

<p>Congratulations to Elon Musk and his team. Way to go. With this proof of the vehicle, future flights will be dependent on adequate QA. Hopefully they can do that part. </p><p>This is exciting.&nbsp; </p><p>I can't wait for them to launch the manned version of the Falcon. As you know, the first Falcon IX will go up next year. And the manned version will be up in a few years.&nbsp; </p>

 

[frodo1008]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Well...so much for the "they'll never make orbit" crowd.&nbsp; Next excuse for pessimism please....&nbsp; <br /> Posted by docm</DIV></p><p>Why are you conservative types always having to pick some kind of a fight?&nbsp; Here you are picking one where there isn't even one to be poked.&nbsp; I know of nobody that does not wish Elon Musk and spacex all the good launches in the world!</p><p>Now spacex simply needs to establish that they can do this again, and again, and again, like the people that have launched dozens of Delta II vehicles.&nbsp;&nbsp; That is NOT pessimism, it is truth.&nbsp; Not only truth but even capitalistic truth, for if you can not establish a very good record of reliability then the people that want to launch their satellites and other items into orbit are not going to pay you to launch.&nbsp; That is capitalism of the finest type. &nbsp;</p><p>By the way I do think that both Boeing and LM (and the new combination of the two in ULA) are also private companies.&nbsp; At least you can but their stock on the New York Stock Exchange. So I think that also qualifies them as private also!!</p><p>In fact all throughout the history of NASA they have NOT built their own rockets, but have bought their equipment and launches from private industry, it is one of the things that actually makes NASA one of the best of the governmental agencies! </p>

 

[frodo1008]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Why are you conservative types always having to pick some kind of a fight?&nbsp; Here you are picking one where there isn't even one to be poked.&nbsp; I know of nobody that does not wish Elon Musk and spacex all the good launches in the world!Now spacex simply needs to establish that they can do this again, and again, and again, like the people that have launched dozens of Delta II vehicles.&nbsp;&nbsp; That is NOT pessimism, it is truth.&nbsp; Not only truth but even capitalistic truth, for if you can not establish a very good record of reliability then the people that want to launch their satellites and other items into orbit are not going to pay you to launch.&nbsp; That is capitalism of the finest type. &nbsp;By the way I do think that both Boeing and LM (and the new combination of the two in ULA) are also private companies.&nbsp; At least you can but their stock on the New York Stock Exchange. So I think that also qualifies them as private also!!In fact all throughout the history of NASA they have NOT built their own rockets, but have bought their equipment and launches from private industry, it is one of the things that actually makes NASA one of the best of the governmental agencies! <br /> Posted by frodo1008</DIV></p><p>And fir crying out loud, keep&nbsp; the political balooney over on the Open Forum, where it belongs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! </p>

 

[frodo1008]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>And fir crying out loud, keep&nbsp; the political baloney over on the Open Forum, where it belongs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <br /> Posted by frodo1008</DIV></p><p>Opps, sorry about that docm, i see where you already did say that.&nbsp; Good for you! </p><p>But I also don't think that sarcasm and snide remarks don't belong here either! </p>

 

[frodo1008]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Opps, sorry about that docm, i see where you already did say that.&nbsp; Good for you! But I also don't think that sarcasm and snide remarks don't belong here either! <br /> Posted by frodo1008</DIV></p><p>By the way, I was wondering if all they really had to do was to change the software to provide more time between the separation of the first and second stages!&nbsp; Sometimes the simplest things can goof things us in such complicated systems!</p><p>Heck, I an still on pins and needles until MECO with shuttle launches.&nbsp; Space flight will NEVER be routine! </p>

 

[Swampcat]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>By the way, I was wondering if all they really had to do was to change the software to provide more time between the separation of the first and second stages!&nbsp; Posted by frodo1008</DIV></p><p>Elon Musk was quoted as saying they changed one line of code to get the separation sequence corrected.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="3" color="#ff9900"><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>------------------------------------------------------------------- </em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>"I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. Unsuccessful rebellions, indeed, generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the people which have produced them. An observation of this truth should render honest republican governors so mild in their punishment of rebellions as not to discourage them too much. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government."</em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong>Thomas Jefferson</strong></font></p></font> </div>

 

[BrianSlee]

Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Well...so much for the "they'll never make orbit" crowd.&nbsp; Next excuse for pessimism please....&nbsp; <br />Posted by docm</DIV><br /><br />Hoooooooray.......we have just reinvented the rocket again.&nbsp; Stop the presses get the Nobel society on line, its a brave new world.......NOT <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p>"I am therefore I think" </p><p>"The only thing "I HAVE TO DO!!" is die, in everything else I have freewill" Brian P. Slee</p> </div>

 

[job1207]

<p>So, was this inexpensive? I tend to think so. According to Musk, they have spent $100 million so far, on this effort. In terms of US Rocketry, that seems to be a record. Yes? </p><p>Of course, Musk is drawing on 50 years of success. Nevertheless, that would be quite an achievement if he can actually sell launches for his quoted price, and make money.&nbsp; </p>

 

[windnwar]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>So, was this inexpensive? I tend to think so. According to Musk, they have spent $100 million so far, on this effort. In terms of US Rocketry, that seems to be a record. Yes? Of course, Musk is drawing on 50 years of success. Nevertheless, that would be quite an achievement if he can actually sell launches for his quoted price, and make money.&nbsp; <br />Posted by job1207</DIV><br /><br />Well R&D for the first successfully launch are always higher in cost then your standard production run. The upside of this is they didn't hesitate to build out the production facilities and start the assembly line production so this rocket probably hit the cost estimates pretty on target i'd bet versus the first couple vehicles were probably more expensive while they tooled up. </p><p>&nbsp;Even so with the cost of the R&D included, get 4 rockets together and attempted launches on all of them is a damn good feat on what has been spent. The latest data shows they hit the mark perfectly on the orbital insertion so i'd say now as long as they continue to repeat the launch success its going to be a very reasonable priced rocket. Though most of that is due to the fact that they are building most of it themselves and trying to avoid one off parts. We'll see how it goes. </p><p>&nbsp;I'll be interested to see if they recover the first stage and what condition it'll be in. Worst case is, it'll be worth something to recycle the material. </p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font size="2" color="#0000ff">""Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." --Albert Einstein"</font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I'm eager to learn about the orbit parameters, once they publish it. Maybe we can see Falcon 1 fly. <br />Posted by aphh</DIV><br /><br />It is not yet listed in the Heaven's ABove database, I'll keep an eye out for when it shows up.</p><p>I have a feeling it was placed in a low inclination orbit, so it probably won't do you much good.</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>It is not yet listed in the Heaven's ABove database, I'll keep an eye out for when it shows up.I have a feeling it was placed in a low inclination orbit, so it probably won't do you much good. <br />Posted by MeteorWayne</DIV><br /><br />From SpaceX:</p><p>Preliminary data indicates that Falcon 1 achieved an elliptical orbit of 500 km by 700 km, 9.2 degrees inclination&mdash;exactly as targeted.</p><p>That may be too low an inclination for even me to see at 41 North.</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[job1207]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Well R&D for the first successfully launch are always higher in cost then your standard production run. The upside of this is they didn't hesitate to build out the production facilities and start the assembly line production so this rocket probably hit the cost estimates pretty on target i'd bet versus the first couple vehicles were probably more expensive while they tooled up. &nbsp;Even so with the cost of the R&D included, get 4 rockets together and attempted launches on all of them is a damn good feat on what has been spent. The latest data shows they hit the mark perfectly on the orbital insertion so i'd say now as long as they continue to repeat the launch success its going to be a very reasonable priced rocket. Though most of that is due to the fact that they are building most of it themselves and trying to avoid one off parts. We'll see how it goes. &nbsp;I'll be interested to see if they recover the first stage and what condition it'll be in. Worst case is, it'll be worth something to recycle the material. <br /> Posted by windnwar</DIV></p><p>I figure it pretty much the same way. Four rockets, at $25 mill a piece. AND that was the start up cost. So they should be able to meet the prices quoted for actual launches.&nbsp;</p><p>I see that they only changed one line of code, for this launch. Good job all around. Too bad they made that small mistake last time.&nbsp;</p><p>good job and good luck.&nbsp; </p>

 

[tanstaafl76]

<p>Wow, big congrats to SpaceX.&nbsp; Hopefully this marks the start of many successful flights for them.&nbsp; Having this manner of low cost orbital flight available will be a boon for everyone, I believe.&nbsp; Onward and upward!</p><p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>