ORBCOMM Satellite Launched By Falcon 9 Has Fallen To Earth

Universe Today covers deorbit of secondary Space X Falcon 9 payload.  One of the Merlin rocket engines had to be shutdown after a reported "anomaly," resulting in ORBCOMM satellite failing to reach sufficient orbit to remain in space. ORBCOMM implies in press release secondary role in mission and imposed safety check, played role in failure!  You Tube video  recorded anomaly in slo-mo complete with debris and demonic sound effects!

Systems All Go For Space X Launch On May 19

Space X will launch first commercial rocket on May 19 from Cape Canaveral.  Universe Today article describes event: "In less than 48 hours, SpaceX is primed to make history and launch...spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) early Saturday morning on May 19...The SpaceX developed Dragon cargo resupply spacecraft (picture, right) is bolted on top of the two stage Falcon 9 rocket and stands 157 feet tall for the mission dubbed “COTS 2”. The Falcon 9 booster (picture, left) generates 1 million pounds of thrust ...The purpose of Dragon is to carry supplies up to orbit and dock at the ISS and partially replace the capabilities of NASA’s now retired space shuttle. Dragon is a commercial spacecraft designed and developed by SpaceX. "

It seems a wonderful achievement replacing wasteful government with efficiencies of a corporation? Is it truly for the best? What can a corporation conceal where government would have to disclose? Is it really much different than privatizing the military? The present writer believes a healthy skepticism should be taken when it comes to managing the affairs of space!  It will be as easy as attaining your GPS coordinates from your enabled cell phone to put you in the crosshairs!

space x launch a commercial first!

Space X, a commercial space transport company owned by Paypal co-founder Elon Musk, boosted their Dragon capsule into earth orbit atop their own Falcon 9 rocket on Wednesday, Dec 8, 2010.  Dragon orbited twice and splashed down successfully 500 miles off the coast of Southern California.  Space X is the first commercial company to successfully launch, orbit and recover a spacecraft.   The Dragon capsule is capable of delivering  astronauts to the International Space Station.  A pdf file of a press kit for Space X Commercial Orbit Transportation Service (COTS) Flight 1 is available here. There will be more demo flights to be followed by a test launch all in 2011.  Wow, it's pretty heady stuff!