This launch will include the latest attempt at landing the Falcon 9 rocket's first stage, hopefully advancing the goal of a reusable rocket, This capability has been called a game changer by Elon Musk, shattering not only the launch price, but also the interval between launches.
So far 2015 has been very busy, with three flights in as many months. With as many as 12 more flights slated for this year - including tomorrow's CRS-6 - this year should see more than twice the number of launches as 2014 (six missions) - and may include the first Falcon Heavy demo flight.
Exciting times for this visionary, but still quite young, company.
Launch was successful. Good video of the first stage after separation, and the Dragon capsule after separation and while deploying the solar panels. Waiting to hear about the first stage landing attempt. All the status reports on the first stage maneuvering and reentry burns sounded good, so we may be in for another SpaceX first.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the Falcon first stage hit the landing platform - but hit it far too hard. They're zeroing in on it, but no joy this time.
ReplyDeleteLook how close the Falcon booster came to hitting the "X" https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/588082616890449920
ReplyDeleteIt appears now that the Falcon 9 first stage landing suffered from excess lateral velocity (rather than vertical velocity). So it was more a matter of it falling over than smacking the deck too hard. Video will be available in a couple days (after the platform is returns to port).
ReplyDeleteAlthough the landing of the booster is secondary to the primary mission of supplying the ISS, it seems to be all the buzz because of its historic nature - and the fact that it seems so close.