PayPal pays for private rocket...

gameboy

A privately built rocket that's intended to dramatically reduce the cost of space transport has completed a test firing.

The Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, or SpaceX, says that its Falcon 1 rocket completed a successful engine test in California on May 27. SpaceX was founded three years ago by Elon Musk, co-founder of PayPal.

SpaceX has conducted other test firings of the Falcon 1 while it was in Texas, but counts last week's success as crucial because the rocket was hooked up to a final set of ground support gear at Vandenberg Air Force Base. A launch is expected from Vandenberg this summer.

The Falcon 1 is noteworthy because--if its maiden flight is successful--it's expected to lift payloads into orbit at around one-quarter the cost of rivals such as Orbital Sciences' Pegasus rocket. Another, larger SpaceX rocket called the Falcon V is scheduled to launch next year.

Source: CNET

Attached Images

spacedead1_500x276.jpg (27.1 KB, 22 views)

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Only he who does nothing, does nothing wrong.

Marts

Wouldn't have thought PayPal could afford it

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Edward De Bono

Topper

My grandfather would have been proud enough to say, look after the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves. It is really only the old supermarket addage high volume low margin applied to the second hand market. All those millions of pennies go a long way when added up on a daily basis.

Got to say the rocket looks more like scaled up bullet than a space vehicle

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Formerly toppervte33h
whose six pack has turned into a keg

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Freddie Flintoff is back

Channel Hopper

Not going to get very far if launched at that angle

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