Old school space, meet SpaceX - SpacePod 2010.06.07
CAPE CANAVERAL -- Old hands out at NASA's Kennedy Space Center will tell you that no two launches are alike. However, the launch of Space Exploration Technologies' (SpaceX) Falcon 9 rocket was perhaps the singularly most unique rocket launch in recent memory. Many have said that this flight marked a new age of spaceflight, a new way of doing the business of space travel. With a press site in the midst of renovation, a dropout of video access and a wayward boat -- this marked one of the most memorable launch days in history. However, through the weather concerns, tech issues and overly-enthusiastic sightseers the SpaceX team persevered and sent their rocket off on its maiden flight. There were concerns early on that rough weather that was predicted to hit around 11:30 would cause a slip or scrub -- however weather did not pose an issue with launch. Then there was a minor tech issue with telemetry -- one which Falcon 9 techs quickly turned into a non-issue. It does seem that every launch has a small bit of "drama" included in the day's lineup of events -- however it rarely involves a wayward boat, helicopters and the U.S. Coast Guard. Information was very hard to get but it became apparent that an "object" was in the restricted safety zone. We later found out that this "object" was a boat, that had been told to leave the area by a UH-60 Blackhawk and then, once outside the restricted zone, was intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard -- for a "discussion" regarding the crew's error. On the first launch attempt the countdown went all the way to two seconds - and then was aborted. Around the press site, all the old veterans were predicting doom and gloom, "Well that's that for the day!" They said. They were all wrong. I can include myself in their number -- and SpaceX -- made us all eat our words. The first attempt was held at 1:30 p.m. EDT. How could they possible recycle in time to launch before their window closed at 3 p.m.? Easy -- you work the problem and you try again for a 2:45 p.m. launch. The announcement was made that the second attempt would be made and a mild state of shock rolled around the press site. These SpaceX guys had nerves of steel. The clock ticked down -- and it did not stop. When the clock hit zero -- the Falcon 9 lit to the skies like the bird she was named for. There is a funny story there and one that I hope my friends at Space Florida and SpaceX do not mind me relaying to you. Being a regular at KSC -- I prided myself on my knowledge of the area. The folks on the roof of the Orlando Sentinel building with me -- had me looking at the Atlas pad. Folks over at the OSB II building -- went nuts -- you could hear them clear over at the press site. Then Emily Shanklin with SpaceX -- lost her mind. I have never seen someone more excited to see a bird take flight. In all honesty I cannot thank her enough for her genuine expression of emotion. It made me realized the power and importance of this moment. As I drove home rolling over the day's events in my mind I got stuck behind a car and it seemed I was being given a sign as to just how important this day was. The license plate on the car read simply -- TO MARS. Go SpaceX
