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#1 2017-09-07 10:47:32

Oldfart1939
Member
Registered: 2016-11-26
Posts: 2,366

Another SpaceX Milestone.

Due to the threat of Hurricane Irma, SpaceX forged ahead with it's scheduled launch of the Air Force X-37B today, and achieved a flawless launch along with yet another first stage recovery.

Here's a link to Spaceflight101.com's report. : http://spaceflight101.com/spacex-falcon … b-mission/

Last edited by Oldfart1939 (2017-09-07 10:52:26)

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#2 2017-09-07 15:55:32

SpaceNut
Administrator
From: New Hampshire
Registered: 2004-07-22
Posts: 28,750

Re: Another SpaceX Milestone.

SpaceNut wrote:

One of the things Nasa has been striving for is common launcher capability such that payloads can ride on any vehicle.

Successful Static Fire Test Sets SpaceX on Target for Post Labor Day Launch of USAF X-37B Mini-Shuttle Sept. 7

OTV-A-1024x544.jpg

While its a good step for the x37b its not all that it could be until there are more than just this experimental unit for flights that would drive the total use of all launchers.

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#3 2017-09-07 16:11:45

SpaceNut
Administrator
From: New Hampshire
Registered: 2004-07-22
Posts: 28,750

Re: Another SpaceX Milestone.

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/X_37B … h_999.html

spacex-x-37b-launch-liftoff-lg.jpg

This time, liftoff has come with a Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX instead of an Atlas V originally to ride on a Delta 2 but was moved to the atlas due to wind turbulance during flight.

Even if this mission proves to be another record breaker, the sixth flight probably won't outstrip it. The last flight lasted 718 days. Even if the fifth goes longer, it will probably only do so by a few months. Somehow, the idea of breaking the two-year barrier sounds tempting.

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#4 2017-09-09 04:15:57

Oldfart1939
Member
Registered: 2016-11-26
Posts: 2,366

Re: Another SpaceX Milestone.

This launch confirmed to me that ULA has serious competition! The way in which SpaceX conducted the launch in the face of oncoming weather should have impressed the USAF brass, too. This just means more business (money for the ongoing Mars rocket development!) for the company. I just wish NASA could get their collective heads pulled from their backsides and give more active support to the Mars missions conceived by Robert Zubrin and in the process of actualization by Elon Musk.

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