SpaceX Launching Next-Generation Private Rocket In ~40 minutes. - Polidicks

[B]Edit: Launch complete, launch went great, satellite deployed correctly, new engines appear to have performed slightly better than expected. Powered first stage return encountered anomalies, which was not unexpected and will be looked into before next flight.[/B] [quote=Space.com]The private spaceflight company SpaceX is counting down to launch its first rocket from California today (Sept. 29) in what will be the debut flight of the firm's upgraded Falcon 9 rocket, and you can watch the liftoff live online.[/quote] [quote]SpaceX plans to webcast the launch live beginning with a preflight event at 11:15 a.m. EDT (1515 GMT). [/quote] [quote]In addition to launching the Canada's CASSIOPE satellite, SpaceX hopes to test ground-breaking new reusable rocket technology during today's test flight. The test, which will occur after the Falcon 9 rocket's first stage separates from its upper stage, is designed to test post-launch rocket booster maneuvering for future reusable rockets.[/quote] Short story: New, upgraded Falcon 9 rocket (v1.1) being tested, also carries a satellite. The first stage booster will test maneuverability after separation, and if possible maybe try a "landing" on water. The new rocket version is taller, more powerful, carries more fuel, and has a brand new version of the rocket engines. (Merlin 1D and Merlin 1D Vac). [IMG]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2668640/11.jpg[/IMG] Webcast here: [URL]http://www.spacex.com/webcast/[/URL] Space.com article: [URL]http://www.space.com/22992-spacex-private-falcon9-rocket-test-launch.html[/URL]

I'm most excited to see if they can land the first stage

What's with all those belts.

[QUOTE=jaredop;42345295]I'm most excited to see if they can land the first stage[/QUOTE] They won't, they'll slow it down over water at the most, they said it'll might fail the few first times, but it'll still be fun to watch. [editline]29th September 2013[/editline] god this is awesome

I love how frequently they launch stuff, unlike NASA. Hopefully everything works out alright. Cool,they will use the onboard cameras looking up and down for us to see

[QUOTE=Karmah;42345459]I love how frequently they launch stuff, unlike NASA. Hopefully everything works out alright. Cool,they will use the onboard cameras looking up and down for us to see[/QUOTE]NASA doesn't really have an own rocket atm :v:

I can't wait to see the merlin D engine in action.

[QUOTE=dije;42345499]NASA doesn't really have an own rocket atm :v:[/QUOTE] Even when they did it took them quite a while to get it flight-ready again.

SpaceX is amazing. [editline]29th September 2013[/editline] god those engines are really shiny

Dang it. My scheduled laundry time starts just as this thing takes off. :v:

I'm so fucking pumped for this. I really hope there's a camera to capture descent and landing

4 minutes yo

That fucking support tower disconnecting sound :jizz:

2 minutes, lets go

t-2minutes edit: DAMMIT!

T-90 oh yessss

it is happening

GO BABY GO!

ROCKET AWAY!

omg that downwards looking camera view is so cool

'dat launch

the on-board camera seems to have bad connection :v:

Dat several downlink...

holy shit that was cool

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/CytbknU.png[/IMG]

TOO MUCH "AWAITING VEHICLE DOWNLINK"

awaiting vehicle downlink.....

Just saw the launch, looks like it went clean as a whistle

[QUOTE=Chubbles;42345695]awaiting vehicle downlink.....[/QUOTE] It is more of that than actual video at this point

So uh... any update on that first stage?