The upcoming commercial SpaceX launch of the MDA/Canadian Space Agency Cassiope satellite is important for several reasons:
- It will be the first launch from the new SpaceX launch site at Vandenburg Air Force Base, clearing the way for the Falcon Heavy launch from that site late 2013 or early 2014
- It will be the first flight of the Falcon 9 version 1.1, which uses the new Merlin 1D engines, has longer fuel tanks, and a longer payload fairing
- Unlike the recent (and successful) NASA CRS flights, this launch will support moving SpaceX's commercial flight manifest forward, building confidence in its ability to deliver on its aggressive manifest schedule
Of course, SpaceX continues to juggle a lot of initiatives: Falcon Heavy, Grasshopper, Human Rated Dragon, and so forth. I certainly hope all goes well, and their momentum accelerates - as I'm sure Elon Musk does, as he contemplates a public stock offering.
No comments:
Post a Comment