SpaceX for Real?

We'll know soon enough.

BTW, the planned Falcon launch is apparently supposed to go from
Space Launch Complex 3-West at Vandenberg AFB, formerly used for
Atlas E/F/H launches. The site's service and unbilical towers
were demolished in 2000, so this must be a "flat pad" setup.
SLC-3W is supposed to be rebuilt for Atlas V in a few years as
I understand it.

The SpaceX web site has news of a recent test stand engine
explosion and of launch date slippage. Neither are big
suprises in such a development effort.

According to the web site, the "reusable" Falcon first stage
will reenter at Mach 9, float down to the Pacific on parachutes,
and be fished out of the water by some guys in a rented tugboat!

- Ed Kyle

SpaceX Press Release Follows


SpaceX Falcon Rocket to Be Unveiled In Washington, DC December 4

WHAT: Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX)'s official
unveiling ceremony for the new Falcon orbital launch vehicle. SpaceX
will bring the entire seven-story high spacecraft and its mobile
launch system to the nation's Capitol as part of the hundred-year
anniversary of manned flight.

WHO: SpaceX founder CEO Elon Musk and others

WHEN: Thursday, December 4, 2003
- Unveiling ceremony at 8:00 EST
- Reception begins at 7:00 EST


WHE Unveiling ceremony on Independence Avenue followed by
Reception: The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, on the Mall,
Washington, DC

WHAT ELSE: The Falcon rocket is notable for being:

-- The first rocket with substantial reusability developed since the
Space Shuttle launched over two decades ago. Once the Shuttle retires,
it will be the world's only reusable rocket.

-- A major breakthrough in the cost of access to space, with a price
per flight to orbit over four times lower than its nearest American
competitor.

-- Designed from a "clean sheet" for reliable space transportation,
compared to most existing launch vehicles, which have a comparatively
low-reliability heritage as weapons systems.

First launch is expected to occur in early 2004 from the SpaceX launch
complex at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The payload is a
Department of Defense tactical communications & observation satellite
called TacSat-1.

CONTACT: Frank Sietzen 703 685 7090, Email:

About SpaceX

Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) is developing a family of
launch vehicles intended to reduce the cost and increase the
reliability of access to space by a factor of ten. Falcon, a two
stage, liquid-fueled orbital launch vehicle, is the company's first
product. The entire vehicle, including main and upper stage engines,
primary structure, avionics and guidance control, is being developed
internally at SpaceX.

Located in El Segundo, California, the company was founded by CEO Elon
Musk in June 2002. SpaceX is the third company founded by Mr. Musk.
Previously he co-founded and was the largest shareholder of PayPal,
the world's leading electronic payment system, which sold to online
auction giant eBay(TM) for $1.5 billion in 2002. More information
about SpaceX can be found at http://www.SpaceX.com