“This morning, the first commercial space launch to the International Space Station (ISS) lifted off from Cape Canaveral in Florida. It was launched by SpaceX, and will carry the company’s Dragon capsule, containing some 460 kilos of supplies, to the space station crew.” (Nature)
“The launch success opens a new chapter in space flight – one in which it is hoped nimble entrepreneurial companies with innovative ideas can compete and outgun big-spending government-run space agencies. The excitement at today’s orbital achievement was palpable on Twitter, not least from SpaceX founder Elon Musk who tweeted: “Falcon flew perfectly!! Dragon in orbit, comm locked and solar arrays active!! Feels like a giant weight just came off my back.”” (New Scientist)
““We’re really at the dawn of a new era in space exploration, and one where there’s a much bigger role for commercial space companies,” Mr Musk said.” (BBC)
“Tuesday’s launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral air force station in Florida was the culmination of months of preparation for the first commercial flight to the International Space Station” (The Guardian; picture gallery)
A landmark day for all involved. Here’s to furthering commercial spaceflight. Onwards!
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