How it's going
How it's going
I watched the spacex launch video just a day or so ago.
Shortly after liftoff the picture split into two side by sides. we were thus given the opportunity to see two live space events.
The first stage separated and was in one view while the main rocket continued on the other.
We were thus able to watch as the first stage returned to earth under constant and complete control. We saw it actually land precisely as scheduled, on a pad near the launch site and available for the next flight.
Mean while on the second screen we could monitor the constant increase in speed and altitude until it reached the 150 kilometer orbital altitude where it leveled off.
This spectacular double success was the 23rd I think we were told. And it was accomplished by a private company who has spectacularly bested what were said to be the best in the world.
Busk Rogers impressed.
The reason many not be because they did not want to attempt it. I remember stuff coming out of Kelly Johnson's Skunk Works (much like what Musk has done), in particular the 1960’s project which brought out the SR-71 Blackbird. I've read that it was almost impossible to fly without a computer.
I read about Barry Goldwater having flown it. He was the only person that had not gone through the normal paths (he was a AF Reserve pilot) Even today the speed that flew at is almost unimaginable.
Musk has the instincts. Kelly Johnson had them. Yes, there were very good engineers on board, but the instinct from broad understanding is necessary to run such stuff.