Countdown to success: SpaceX readies Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule

by Stevie Smith - Jun 4 2010, 10:29

Sitting on a launch pad at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the two-stage Falcon 9 rocket could blast into the history books later today when private enterprise Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) attempts to launch its first dummy astronaut capsule into orbit.

If successful, the 10-minute test launch is likely to shine a favourable light on SpaceX as it vies with other competing carriers to secure a lucrative NASA contract that would result in the ferrying of cargo – and eventually astronauts – to and from the International Space Station (ISS).

According to millionaire businessman Elon Musk, CEO and chief designer at California-based SpaceX, Friday’s maiden voyage has an 80 percent chance of success, which is a significant improvement over the 50 percent average most first launches have been given during the development of space travel.

The main aim of today’s launch is for the Falcon 9 rocket to transition smoothly through its separation stages and deliver the Dragon capsule (which is equipped with data sensors) into a stable orbit approximately 155 miles above the planet. It will remain in orbit for 12 months before eventually burning up while descending through the atmosphere.

“A 100% success would be reaching orbit,” Musk relayed to reporters gathered ahead of the launch. “But I think, given this a test flight, even if we prove out just that the first stage works correctly – that will have been a good day. And it will be a great day if both stages work correctly.”

The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to begin its maiden voyage within a launch window spanning 1500 GMT and 1900 GMT.

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