SpaceX (Finally) Has a Successful Launch

Well, they finally did it. After three lost rockets and three lost satellites, SpaceX finally succeeded in their fourth launch attempt! And it's about time.

The payload this time was simulated; just a big chunk of metal to prove that their rockets can indeed successfully launch something into orbit. I frankly didn't doubt this; all of the problems they have had are minor. However, as I said before, minor problems + space = spectacular destruction. This was probably making the investors a bit skittish, but things are good now.

Though the launch was delayed by the better part of a week, everything went off flawlessly. The Falcon 1 launched, the first stage separated, the second stage fired, was turned off, and then was fired a second time later on just to prove they could do it. See for yourself; here's the full 40 minute launch video (credit SpaceX).

This bodes well for their likely launch of the Sundancer space hotel prototype in two years.

Progress: 4.03%  Flight Time: 0:06:05