Update on SpaceX COTS 2 Launch “After reviewing our recent progress, it was clear that we needed more time to finish hardware-in-the-loop testing and properly review and follow up on all data. While it is still possible that we could launch on May 3rd, it would be wise to add a few more days of margin in case things take longer than expected. As a result, our launch is likely […]

Space X update 4:53 pm EDT: Preliminary indications from NASA’s recovery ship Freedom Star is that a debris field has been encountered in the area where the first stage was expected to be. Observation airfcraft confirmed the debris field. No parachutes were observed during descent. Apparently the Falcon 9 first stage hit the water rather hard. Initial impact location is 32 deg 07’N, 069 deg 15’W. Space X update 4:40 […]

NASA Administrator’s Statement on First Falcon 9 Launch “Congratulations to Space X on today’s launch of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Space X’s accomplishment is an important milestone in the commercial transportation effort and puts the company a step closer to providing cargo services to the International Space Station. “Preparations are proceeding for the first NASA-sponsored test launch under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services project later this year. COTS is […]