If you’re in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 4, this might be worth a look. Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) will unveil its 70-foot Falcon rocket at a splashy ceremony with a reception to follow at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. The rocket will be hauled in on its mobile launcher. However, the launcher won’t be put to use until early next year when the reusable booster is expected to take a Department of Defense communications satellite into orbit from SpaceX’s complex at Vandenburg AFB in California. SpaceX claims the Falcon will give access to space at 25 percent of the current cost because it is purpose-built, rather than being based on a missile design. As such, most of the components are reusable and more reliable than the single-use design of other launch vehicles. The company, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, is planning a series of rockets aimed at ultimately reducing the cost and increasing the reliability of space access “by a factor of 10.” The Falcon is a two-stage liquid-fueled rocket.
Private Rocket Unveiled In Washington
Key Takeaways:
- SpaceX is set to unveil its 70-foot Falcon rocket on December 4th in Washington D.C., with its first launch of a Department of Defense satellite planned for early next year.
- The Falcon rocket is designed to provide access to space at 25% of current costs due to its purpose-built design and reusable components.
- Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX's long-term goal is to reduce the cost and increase the reliability of space access by a factor of 10.
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