Posted on 05/28/2005 1:37:08 PM PDT by KevinDavis
VANDENBERG, Calif., May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) today announced the successful completion of a full launch wet dress rehearsal, including execution of all launch operations and a hold down firing of the Falcon I at its newly activated site, Space Launch Complex 3 West at Vandenberg Air Force Base. This comprehensive test exercised Falcon vehicle systems and range safety interfaces to ensure optimal operations during the upcoming launch campaign. The test included erecting the integrated flight vehicle, a complete countdown sequence and firing of the Merlin main engine.
"Today we completed the largest milestone remaining before launch," said Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX. "In a few months, we will receive Air Force clearance to fly and Falcon I will make its maiden voyage. With the lowest cost per flight in the world for a production rocket and superlative design reliability, it has the potential to be the world leader in launches per year."
SpaceX received approval for this launch readiness test from the 30th Space Wing Commander at Vandenberg Air Force Base following unanimous recommendations from range safety, range operations, the mission director and the USAF and Aerospace Corporation independent review team. The maiden flight of Falcon I, carrying the Defense Department's TacSat-1 satellite, is scheduled to follow the launch of the last Titan IV from Vandenberg in late summer. SpaceX will launch two more vehicles within the upcoming twelve months and was recently awarded a $100 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for satellite launch services.
About SpaceX SpaceX is developing a family of launch vehicles intended to increase the reliability and reduce the cost of access to space by a factor of ten. Located in El Segundo, California, the company was founded by CEO Elon Musk in June 2002. SpaceX is the third company founded by Mr. Musk. Previously he co-founded PayPal, Inc., the world's leading electronic payment system, which sold to online auction giant eBay(TM) for $1.5 billion in 2002. More information about SpaceX can be found at SpaceX.com.
BUMP
They'll need it. COTS hardware has its limits and the launch environment will test it most severely. Launch insurance providers are pretty unforgiving with failure. While their vehicle cost may be low, a single early failure could increase the net cost of future launches significantly due to insurance premiums. Personally, I believe the cost associated with increased risk is lost on Mr. Musk.
So where will our civilian space port be? Edwards or Vandenberg
The question is will their customers be willing to take the risk. An early failure could dry up the potential customer base instantly and put a major hole in any business model that Mr. Musk may have. Ever heard of the Delta III? I didn't think so.
I heard that if you go over 20 miles an hour you will die, There is no way I'm riding that steam trolley contraption. Pessimism is the easiest road and you are driving a Ferrarri.
I've heard of launch providers providing self insurance to mitigate insurance costs, don't know if Musk is doing this. These could be some of the most reliable expendables ever made, we just won't know until Spacex has had a string of succesful launches, but the low cost of these launches should be an inducement for companies to risk a payload on them.
Somewhere in West Texas I believe.
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