Video of SpaceX Falcon 9 Dragon Capsule Launch for NASA

A private company has launched a spacecraft in a bold demonstration test for NASA. The Space Exploration Technologies rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral on Wednesday morning. The Falcon 9 is carrying a capsule named Dragon. The company, known as SpaceX, hopes to place the capsule in orbit and then bring it back to Earth three hours later. It will be the first time a commercial business tries to recover a spacecraft re-entering from orbit. The plan is for Dragon to circle the world twice, then parachute into the Pacific Ocean, 500 miles off the Mexican coast. NASA is hiring companies like SpaceX to haul supplies to the International Space Station following next year's shuttle retirement. Taxi trips for astronauts may follow.

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[Astrogod07]

@GWhite1001 No, because NASA has a contract with SpaceX. Most likely, this is the future of the American Space Program.

[Jacnas]

@MrToubrouk SpaceX doesn't compete with NASA. In fact NASA helps SpaceX and will be their main customer.

[MrAstronaut2013]

SpaceX are making a vehicle for ISS. I heard they are trying to go to the moon and beyond.

[deathrooster14]

@CowboyDiplomacy No, these are just for LEO. Not enough fuel and not NEAR enough cargo capacity.

[KillahMate]

@mongorians22 I'm pretty sure Bigelow already has a few flights booked with SpaceX.

[ttwilkable]

interesting video and very informative

[tehatemachine]

@mongorians22 yeah the inflatable spacecraft seems to be the most feasible way by far for ROOM! I hear ti's even safer than metal hull's. It's like a bullet proof vest in space from micrometeorites.

[mongorians22]

@tehatemachine Yes, making the next superhero movie will be easier than ever before :)

But seriously, I would love to see Space X team up with Bigelow Aerospace, both are companies that have great ideas that are actually being tested, and both are commercial companies with a common interest in making space travel an affordable reality.

[tehatemachine]

@buyogi yup the private industry is the only way to get to space cheaper and safer. Because unlike a government. Companies are very limited with resources and have to used them the most effectively.

[tehatemachine]

@mongorians22 The best part of all is building things in space! Zero gravity! you can maneuver HUGE heavy objects that on earth would weight over a ton easily.

[MrJackStill]

@VanillaSnow23 lol :)

[VanillaSnow23]

@MrJackStill Verification.