History - May 19: SpaceX to dock with ISS

[Omaroo]

Too exciting to be hidden in a mere sub-forum...

NASA: SpaceX Launch Targeted for May 19

I have the utmost respect for these guys. Elon Musk is a Richard Branson on steroids. Not sure about their naming conventions though - "Falcon" launch vehicle, "Dragon" capsule and "Merlin" engines. The Apollo era used mythical character names, so I guess these names are borne of the fantasy novel age? In any case, a phenomenal effort for a still new private company.

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_update_staticfiring.html

[gary]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the heads-up.

It is a sign of the times when you can go to the www.spacex.com web site,
look-up the web page for the Falcon 9 (http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php) and there is a heading entitled "PRICING".

For the curious -

$54M*

*Paid in full standard launch prices for 2012. Please contact us for details at sales@spacex.com

For any space enthusiasts out there wishing to reward themselves with the trip of
a lifetime, it would be a line item on the credit card statement unlikely to escape the
attention of the spouse.

[Omaroo]

I'm not sure that the significance of this is being understood by anyone Gary. For the first time in mans history, a private group of citizens is exploring space beyond the atmosphere - not a government-funded and researched operation. It's quite incredible.

[rogerg]

I had no idea this was coming up. Thanks for the thread to raise awareness. Certainly is very much a "first" and I sure hope it goes well.

[Omaroo]

I'm still trying to find mention of a planned launch time. Anyone?

[omegacrux]

I was having a search
The best I could find was 'no official date '
I suppose that way the don't look bad if they have to cancel the launch ?

Dave

[silv]

exciting!!!
And I've seen the very first time table of a space ship, too!

Notice the tentative times stated by year only.!
Wouldn't that be a smart move for local bus routes...? I wonder. And I think: that would be yet another improvement in our daily life made possible by space science!
It so would deserve a place in this list
http://curiosity.discovery.com/topic/physics-concepts-and-definitions/ten-nasa-inventions1.htm (http://curiosity.discovery.com/topic/physics-concepts-and-definitions/ten-nasa-inventions2.htm)


nah, sorry, really very exciting!! thanks for posting!

[jjjnettie]

:D
The SpaceX launch webcast is scheduled for 1:15 AM Pacific / 4:15 AM Eastern / 08:15 UTC on May 19 at www.spacex.com

Where did I find out??? On their FB page.
https://www.facebook.com/SpaceX

Piccies :D
http://www.spacex.com/panorama/index.html

[Omaroo]

Onya Nettie :) Brilliant! See people... Facebook is where it's at. :)

So... 08:15 UTC should be (Sydney = UTC +10) around 18:15 or 6:15pm. Most excellent! :thumbsup:

[Ric]

Definitely amazing stuff Chris.

It looks like there is a shift happening in the way space travel and exploration may be heading.

Where commercial ventures into space used to be the stuff of Hollywood movies, it now seems that they have the money and technology to make it happen.

Maybe that historic trip to Mars has just got a little bit closer.

[Omaroo]

You might be right Ric. I would love to see this happen in my lifetime, I really would.

[Omaroo]

6:5pm launch coverage start. How civilised. :)

[Omaroo]

Alarm set and armed.

[jjjnettie]

Looking forward to it :D
Soooo exciting.

[Omaroo]

6:55 now...

[jjjnettie]

Watch it here folks. :D

http://www.spacex.com/webcast/

[Omaroo]

18 minutes until it kicks off.... :)

[jjjnettie]

9 minutes and 30 seconds

[Omaroo]

05:10

Cool music too... :) Can't wait

[Forgey]

NASA TV has it at 45 minutes till launch.

[omegacrux]

Just seen the iss go past nice and bright !

David

[Omaroo]

T-00:37:00

Great coverage, much more relaxed than a NASA launch. Jessica... "valley girl"... LOL

[jjjnettie]

OMG Ron Burgundy is commentating. LOLOL

[Omaroo]

T-00:08:00

Awesome footage of the nozzles!

[jjjnettie]

Go for launch!! 2 min to go. :D

[gary]

Abort!

[jjjnettie]

:( awwwwww launch computers said no.......

[Omaroo]

Whoops... I wonder if this is a temporary hold. They miss their window in 6 mins.


.... nope - no more today. Hope they get it sorted for the 22nd

[scagman]

bummer

[gary]

Abort on chamber 5 pressure high
(don't you hate it when that happens)

[jjjnettie]

Chamber pressure was too high.

[jjjnettie]

Every one is sounding very low.

[Forgey]

bugga

[traveller]

Next launch window on Tuesday. Stay tuned.
Bo

[pmrid]

Set for 3.44 a.m. Eastern (US) time Tuesday 22nd - 5.44p.m. AEST.
Peter

[pmrid]

It's being broadcast on NASA TV.

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/ustream.html

Peter