most recent 30 from http://payload42.com 2010-09-07T07:06:45Z http://payload42.com/feeds/tag/commercial-space http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/rdf http://payload42.com/questions/36/falcon-9-first-launch-details-on-the-dragon-model-being-used Geoffrey Carman 2009-10-29T13:24:46Z 2009-10-30T20:36:43Z

<p>Has anyone seen details about the Dragon engineering model that SpaceX intends to use on the first Falcon 9 launch? </p> <p>I am curious if they will include a heat shield and try a controlled reentry. </p> <p>The issue is, if they have no reaction control system, then they probably cannot do a controlled reentry. Same issue if they do not have any of the computers/software on it.</p> <p>Be interesting to see what they intend to launch, in more detail.</p> <p>Here's hoping they can make their window before 2010.</p> <p>Edit: Looks like they will not make it 2009. They seem to be asking for a Feb 2010 launch window now. Oh well. I guess it really is rocket science.</p> <p><a href="http://spacenews.com/launch/requested-falcon-range-date-has-conflict.html" rel="nofollow">http://spacenews.com/launch/requested-falcon-range-date-has-conflict.html</a></p>

http://payload42.com/questions/14/what-pitfalls-does-spacex-face-that-might-be-avoided Geoffrey Carman 2009-10-20T17:22:58Z 2009-10-21T12:26:35Z

<p>Do you think SpaceX will deliver on Falcon 9, Dragon, manned Dragon, etc?</p> <p>Or do you forsee failure in any particular way? What failiures are there to be concerned about?</p> <p>Falcon 1 took three flights to get right, and well done to the SpaceX team. </p> <p>I happen to be a huge fan, and am betting on success, but I am wondering if people see pitfalls for them, that are worth discussing.</p> <p>(Aside from the usual, its rocket science, its hard!) </p> <p>Edit: So I read the FAQ and realize this as originally phrased was subjective, let me rephrase to make it more appropriate.</p>