SpaceX "private" launch to the ISS live now

[C.Puffs]

Can't blame them for trying to do it right. Government space programs can afford a certain amount of failure.

The government already poured $400 million into this one. How is it any different than Boeing, Lockheed Martin, or ATK?

[jetsetter]

The government already poured $400 million into this one. How is it any different than Boeing, Lockheed Martin, or ATK?

The ability to absorb failure? Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and ATK have alternate sources of income.

[C.Puffs]

The ability to absorb failure? Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and ATK have alternate sources of income.

I think you misunderstood me. Effectively, this IS a government space program.

[JCR]

I think you misunderstood me. Effectively, this IS a government space program.

X2
The only real private space programs are those for sub orbital tourism and AFAIK even Virgin Galactic wasn't above taking the odd government grant.
Private space sounds good but all in all it is just the usual socialization of losses and privatization of profit.

[Mujo2000]

Stupid government can't get anything right.

[Steak-Sauce]

Just think, they basically threw a better, more reliable solution in the trash.

Maybe it just made too much sense. Nice vid, though.

[CrYsIs]

Stupid government can't get anything right.

I am not a supporter of private space program

[custodes]

What is it with all the crap out of you guys? These delays happen with all space programs. You all post like you never followed a space program before. Have some positive thoughts.

This is exciting. Any/every space program is.

[Martel]

The government already poured $400 million into this one. How is it any different than Boeing, Lockheed Martin, or ATK?

How much in the stick suborbital launch ? Falcon 9 reached orbit 2 times already.
Anyway SpaceX goal is not to compete with BEO program.

[Martel]

Previous flight of Falcon 9 for COTS-1 demonstration :

[C.Puffs]

What is it with all the crap out of you guys? These delays happen with all space programs. You all post like you never followed a space program before. Have some positive thoughts.

This is exciting. Any/every space program is.

Yeah, and it happens a lot when you reinvent the wheel.

[C.Puffs]

How much in the stick suborbital launch ? Falcon 9 reached orbit 2 times already.
Anyway SpaceX goal is not to compete with BEO program.

So? They still could have grabbed an Atlas or Delta variant off the shelf. And it would have worked. Unless SpaceX is shooting for an order of magnitude cheaper cost to orbit (and actually has a prayer of achieving it) I don't see the point. And I'm about a pro-space as they come.

[Jµµso]

How much Falcon 9 launch actually costs right now? I have seen different figures ranging from 27mil to 57mil.

[AlexMartin2]

How much Falcon 9 launch actually costs right now? I have seen different figures ranging from 27mil to 57mil.

I'd say we'll never know the real figure. Wiki says its ~$50 mil and the only reason for this project is to have low cost. For example, Delta IV or Atlas V are already proven rockets with good record. And they are able to put comparable weight to the orbit. So US can use these without any need of the new system. But they are expensive, at least $100 mil.

So, if F9 price will rise because of longer development or maybe failures or some other reasons, then the whole project will became pointless, and it would be HUGE failure for NASA. And huge embarrassment, in the light of canceling of Constellation/Ares program.

[Martel]

How much Falcon 9 launch actually costs right now? I have seen different figures ranging from 27mil to 57mil.

SpaceX says $54 millions : http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php