Comments on: SpaceX Surprise Launch of Falcon 1, Suffers "Anomaly" at an Altitude of 35 km, Rocket and Payload Assumed Lost

By: Peter Wright

Peter Wright — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 06:31:39 +0000

I hope that the NanoScale D Project ( re. NASA?) is inexpensive enough that it can be tried again…maybe they can recover the one on this cargo.
I'm sorry that some (like Bryan) lost more than money or hopes on this shot, but all in all, it seems like another step forward, successful or not.

By: Michael

Michael — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:48:57 +0000

The 'anomoly' dealt with separation of the stages. You will find a statement on their website here…
http://www.spacex.com/updates.php

By: Chuck Lam

Chuck Lam — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 12:24:49 +0000

"They are lucky to have NASA for a prime COTS client." Hmm . . . maybe that's the problem with Falcon 1.

By: Joel Raupe

Joel Raupe — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 07:00:30 +0000

Pop goes the weasle.

SpaceX will prevail, ultimately. Launch from a Army range with a DOD payload, however micro, probably required some secrecy. May account for the surprise announcement. Wanting to prevent audiences from witnessing a failure doesn't account for it. I can see the chatter now. They are lucky to have NASA for a prime COTS client, desiring greatly for their success.

Oh, what they couldn't do with an old Atlas-Centaur right now.

By: Jerry

Jerry — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 04:47:01 +0000

Choppy video prevented me from seeing the actual lift off though I waited patiently for two hours to see it. Perhaps the anomaly of the first attempt should have told them to play it safe but they went ahead anyway for the second try. I am impressed with the quickness of the built-in safety shut down system, but what good is if it isn't heeded? The anomaly will now cost Space-X lost prestige and credibility. But they still have all the right stuff in my opinion seeing how far their dream has evolved so far. Just like in the early days of the Space Agencyâ€™s many bugs need to be worked out.

By: Maxwell

Maxwell — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 04:29:17 +0000

What I don't like most is how the PR is being handled.

In one moment its a community event with open windows and inviting the public in to see what they do. Then something happens and the doors slam shut, roll credits, with no further information.

Thats bad business.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 04:19:19 +0000

Since some of my Dad's cremation remains were on board with 207 others, I'm extremely disappointed.

By: Ian O'Neill

Ian O'Neill — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:51:07 +0000

Oh dear. Unfortunately the video my end was jumpy at best and missed the moment before signal switched to the HQ… still no details…

By: Steve

Steve — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:47:42 +0000

The video showed a roll oscillation shortly before the signal was lost and the anomaly reported.

By: Ian O'Neill

Ian O'Neill — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:47:18 +0000

This is so sad. Keeping an eye open for announcements, but it ain't looking good

By: Maxwell

Maxwell — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:44:29 +0000

A solar sail test vehicle, a darpa sat, and a few other things were aboard.

By: Matt Ellsworth

Matt Ellsworth — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:43:20 +0000

… I'm underwhelmed …

By: Mike Johnson

Mike Johnson — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:41:51 +0000

I'm impressed with the altitude and speed figures so far, but what kind of payload can that little thing deliver?

By: geoff

geoff — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:41:14 +0000

i guess it blew up

By: Matt Ellsworth

Matt Ellsworth — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:41:04 +0000

Ka-boom?

By: Christopher

Christopher — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:41:04 +0000

Anomaly = failure.

By: Maxwell

Maxwell — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:39:51 +0000

….An anomaly?
Whats that mean in layman's terms?

By: Maxwell

Maxwell — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:30:30 +0000

We going?
We staying?

Make up your minds!