Falcon 9 ready for launch on October 7th (via SpaceX and NASA)
Space Exploration Technologies(SpaceX) has been working on developing the world's most advanced rockets since 2002. Founded by Elon Musk, who is also the CEO of Tesla Motors, SpaceX began making history in 2010 with back-to-back successful launches of their rockets Falcon 1 and Falcon 9. Falcon 1 was the first one to lift off back in June of 2010 and became the first privately owned rocket to reach orbit. Falcon 9, the more powerful rocket, launched in December of 2010 and carried the Dragon spacecraft on its back. This feat made SpaceX the first private company to successfully launch a spacecraft into orbit and safely return it to Earth. Now, SpaceX is continuing to further their work by making its first cargo run to the space station, scheduled to launch October 7th. This will launch the industry of privatized space freight.
Under a $1.6 billion contract with NASA, SpaceX is scheduled to make a minimum of 12 missions carrying supplies to and from the space station, and one day even astronauts. Although October 7th will be the first mission to bring cargo to the space station, the Dragon spacecraft has successfully visited and attached to the space station earlier this year in May. The upcoming mission will carry roughly 1,000 pounds of supplies, much of which will contribute to science studies and is planned to return to Earth carrying about 500 pounds of space station hardware and 700 pounds of scientific materials.
Grasshopper in action (via SpaceX)
In addition to making history, SpaceX is also working on developing and designing reusable rockets. Building reusable spacecrafts and rockets is something that has never been done before and would dramatically reduce costs of space ventures. Their first steps toward this goal were accomplished September 21st. Dubbed 'Grasshopper,' the rocket hovered about six feet over the ground before safely landing back onto its four steel legs. The company has stated that this was the first 'critical steps' to creating a reusable rocket. Their next tests are most likely going to include rockets hovering one hundred feet to a couple miles from Earth and returning safely.
SpaceX is revolutionizing the access we have to space. Offering a whole family of launch vehicles, SpaceX is capable of placing satellites or any other spacecraft to any desired altitude or orbit. Additionally, the company has made significant steps towards transporting astronauts to space. With approximately more than 40 trips to space already on the companies manifest and over $4 billion in contracts, the company is the fastest growing launch services provider. Routine spaceflights through SpaceX are not that far away.
See more about the Privatized Space Race after this link.
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