Requested Launch Date Is Just Over A Month Away

SpaceX is continuing its preparations for the next launch of a Falcon 9 rocket, which will include the first flight of an operational Dragon spacecraft. November 8 is currently the projected launch date. This will also the first launch under NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. Under COTS, NASA is partnering with commercial companies like SpaceX to develop and demonstrate space transportation capabilities.

The upcoming demonstration mission will launch from Cape Canaveral and should follow a flight plan nearly identical to the first Falcon 9 launch, but this time the Dragon spacecraft will separate from the second stage and will demonstrate operational communications, navigation, maneuvering and reentry. Although it does not have wings like Shuttle, the Dragon spacecraft is controlled throughout reentry by the onboard Draco thrusters which enable the spacecraft to touchdown at a very precise location - ultimately within a few hundred yards of its target.

First Falcon 9 Launch

For this first demo flight, Dragon will make multiple orbits of the Earth as all of its systems are tested, and will then fire its thrusters to begin reentry, returning to Earth for a Pacific Ocean splashdown off the coast of Southern California. The entire mission should last around four hours.

While Dragon will initially make water landings, the long term plans call for Dragon will be landing on land.

The recent passage in Congress of the NASA Authorization Act of 2010, set a new direction for human space exploration. The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to authorize funding for a robust and viable U.S. space program.

Dragon COTS

SpaceX believes this is a critical step forward, which will allow America to continue to lead the way in space exploration. The bill sets NASA on an exciting course to focus on exploration beyond low-Earth orbit, while recognizing the valuable role American companies are ready to undertake in ending our reliance on Russia to carry our astronauts to the International Space Station.

SpaceX says that, as it moves forward with this first demo flight under the COTS program, they look forward to helping jump start America's space program and secure our leadership position in space.

FMI: www.spacex.com