Friday, June 4, 2010

SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Set For Today

Hawthorne-based SpaceX, the commercial rocket firm headed by Elon Musk, is set for its first test launch attempt of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle this morning, at 8am Pacific. The launch--out of Cape Canaveral--is being webcast on SpaceX's website. SpaceX said that it has a 40 percent chance of "no go" conditions due to weather this morning, due to thunderstorm conditions, and that it has an alternate test launch date set for Saturday, as well if needed. SpaceX is developing commercial rockets to supply the International Space Station and also to deliver other cargo to orbit. SpaceX hedged its bets in a statement today, saying "If we have a bad day, it will be disappointing, but one launch does not make or break SpaceX as a company." The firm's prior rocket design, the Falcon 1, took three tries before a successful launch.