A perfect test flight today, with an expected spectacle for the spectators. Next step: flying astronauts to the International Space Station!
Once the crew capsule has safely ejected from the booster, all at supersonic speeds, the remains shred from sudden atmospheric forces and the remaining fuel goes boom. The capsule, off frame to the right, used its Draco thrusters to reorient and came in for a soft parachute landing at sea. This is the last step before they will be flying astronauts to space.
NASA Administrator: “Congratulations to the NASA and SpaceX team for a successful In-Flight Abort Test! This critical test puts us on the cusp of once again launching American astronauts on American rockets from American soil. Spacecraft recovery operations are underway.”
You can watch this morning’s test launch at SpaceX YouTube. And full disclosure: SpaceX was Future Ventures’ first, and largest investment.
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