Before I start, sorry for the lack of updates for the Electron launch. I kept waiting, but it kept getting delayed, first there was a misfire, then weather was unfavourable, then there were electrical issues. For now, the launch is on hold, pending further updates. I will update when new information is available. You can see the original post I made about this launch here.
Now, back to the story at hand! SpaceX is launching a new resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) from Cape Canaveral, Florida, momentarily. They will be using their flagship rocket, the Falcon 9, and cargo capsule, the Dragon spacecraft. It will transport a few tones of food, air, water and experiments for NASA.
They will recover the first stage of the rocket, which will land at LZ-1, back at the launch complex. This will be the 20th time SpaceX has recovered the booster stage, either at land or at sea, on one of their drone ships. What this makes this launch unique, is that it is the first time both the rocket and the capsule have been previously used.
If you wish, you can watch the webcast, hosted on SpaceX's YouTube channel below. I will be providing updates to this post as they come in.
UPDATES:
- Webcast is LIVE
- LIFTOFF!
- First stage has detached ans is headed back to the pad.
- Stage 1 is reentering the atmosphere and Stage 2 is continuing its way to the ISS.
- Stage 1 of the Falcon 9 has successfully landed at LZ-1 of Cape Canaveral!
- Dragon spacecraft has been deployed above the Earth, awaiting solar panels unfolding in around one minute.
- Solar panels have been deployed.
- Dragon will be berthed to the ISS via the Canadarm in around two days.
- Live event is now over, thanks for watching!
What are your thoughts on SpaceX's ambitious goals? Have you watched today's stream? Share below, along with any feedback you might have. It is greatly appreciated!
Thank you for reading, and keep on steemin'!
(clicking any image will take you to its source)
(all .gifs are edited from the livestream)
Hi, I found some acronyms/abbreviations in this post. This is how they expand:
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it's nice to see like-minded people :)
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Haha, I post launches when I hear about them, especially SpaceX ones. They're too damn cool!
Even if this is not the meat of the blog, you can stick around if you're interested in this sort of thing. Hope you enjoyed the launch, mate!
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Cheers Sebi, I had no idea this was going on.
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Well, stick around, mate! You'll get to see more of this sort of thing :p
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Great write-up! How did you get interested in space? :)
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Thanks!
I dunno, I've just been fascinated with it since I was a kid. I keep hoping we'll get to Mars and elsewhere eventually. Here's hoping SpaceX manages to bring the price low enough for more regular people to start visiting at some point :)
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