Tag: SpaceX
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Extra NASA funds: An initial step towards gap reduction options/extension
US lawmakers have agreed on a stimulus package that includes just over $1 billion in additional funds for NASA, to be utilized during 2009 and 2010. While the $400m allocated towards “Exploration” is not specifically earmarked for extension of the shuttle program, it could allow NASA to take the first steps in reducing “The Gap”…
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PRCB Outlines Delta Review for STS-127 – includes SpaceX DTO
With Space Shuttle Endeavour now well into her OPF (Orbiter Processing Facility) flow for her triple duty requirements as LON (Launch On Need) vehicle for STS-119 and STS-125 and her primary mission on STS-127, the Program Requirements Control Board (PRCB) has completed the Delta Launch Site Requirements Review (DLSRR) for STS-127, a critical step toward…
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Musk ambition: SpaceX aim for fully reusable Falcon 9
SpaceX chief Elon Musk has spoke of his desire to make Falcon 9 the first fully reusable launch vehicle, which he would “love” to include a flyback first stage. Musk also noted he is aiming for Falcon 9 to launch in under 60 minutes from the moment they leave their hangers. Musk was speaking to…
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SpaceX and Orbital win huge CRS contract from NASA
SpaceX and Orbital Sciences Corporation have been awarded the lucrative Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract, with SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp.) earning 12 missions, and Orbital winning another eight missions. The details of the award – worth up to 3.5 billion dollars – equates to Orbital winning 54 percent of the funding. PlanetSpace Inc lose out on the award.…
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Elon Musk Q and A – Updates SpaceX status on Falcon and Dragon
Elon Musk, CEO of Space Exploration Technologies – commonly known as SpaceX – has given NASASpaceflight.com an exclusive interview, in which he updates the status of their Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles, along with their push towards the debut of their Dragon manned spacecraft. Musk speaks candidly about the challenges involved with taking…
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SpaceX has magical goals for Falcon 9
Elon Musk, CEO of The Space Exploration Company – commonly known as SpaceX – has spoken about the improvements necessary at his Pacific island launch site in the US Army’s Kwajalein test range to support the Falcon 9, progress on the vehicle’s development, and work on the next generation of Merlin 1 engines. The Falcon…
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Space X – investigation heading for closure
The official US Government joint investigation into the Falcon 1 launch failure in March will be completed in approximately two weeks, SpaceX reports. The findings of the “DARPA/SpaceX Return to Flight Board” will be made public after the senior DARPA leadership has been briefed, stated Elon Musk yesterday in his first official update since just…
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SpaceX vs Boeing and Lockheed: Case Closed
“IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that the Second Amended Complaint is dismissed with prejudice, that judgement is entered in favor of defendants, that the matter is closed.” With those words on Thursday, Judge Florence-Marie Cooper of the US District Court of Central California closed the SpaceX vs. Boeing and Lockheed anti-trust lawsuit, dismissing…
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SpaceX: Come Hell or High Water
The loss of the maiden Falcon 1 launch on Friday may complicate both the legal and logistical picture, but CEO Elon Musk still proclaims “Come hell or high water, we are going to make this work”. A formal US Government-led anomaly investigation will be conducted in partnership with SpaceX, while the failure of Falcon 1…
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SpaceX: Lawsuit & Launch back on
SpaceX will be attempting another launch next week during a window running from March 20th to 25th, with a flight readiness test today. The anti-trust lawsuit between the company and Boeing and Lockheed Martin has been re-opened, and the President and General Manager of Sea Launch, Jim Maser, will become the new SpaceX President and…