Falcon 9 1.1 static fire test

Amazing people doing amazing things… countdown to the burn, with the rocket held in place by the hold-down clamps

At SpaceX mission control yesterday, where the static fire of the new rocket went well (photo below), clearing the way for the maiden launch at the end of the month. If all goes well, the booster will pivot after stage separation and do the first supersonic retro-burn, bringing it back toward the launch site, where it will pivot again, and land under thrust not parachute. All of this is a bonus test routine after the satellite payload is on its way into orbit.