Topic: May 27 - SpaceX Launches two NASA Astronauts to dock with ISS

[PatMan33]

This is a big one, folks. A private company is finally being given the opportunity to launch NASA astronauts into space to dock with the International Space Station.

I'm really hoping all goes well. Anything other is unthinkable at the moment. And this would be a testament to the power of American ingenuity and superiority. We've been down and out for a while and this is a hell of a way to get back into the game. Plus it would be just great to not have to depend on the Russians to get our astronauts into space.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3W3fpNvhcE" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3W3fpNvhcE</a>
Here is an acceptable video from the guy that spent a billion dollars to teach every American that he is a midget.

[Oviraptor]

I just wish it wasn't happening while I was at work and unable to watch it live.

[PatMan33]

Feels, mang.

[PatMan33]

Alright boys and girls, launch time is slated for 4:33 EST today. So that's about four and a half hours from now.

Was reading some interviews and NASA seems very optimistic and excited about the launch vehicle.
NASA chief, ahead of launch, says SpaceX capsule is 'probably the safest vehicle' to ever carry astronauts

[martyk]

For anyone looking for it, you can find the livestream of the launch here on NASA's youtube.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21X5lGlDOfg" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21X5lGlDOfg</a>

[PatMan33]

Darn the launch got postponed due to weather. Next attempt will be this Saturday.

Everything looked good though, according to reports. The tech was all functioning fine. I guess they're going to catch that rocket after it completes its stage, which is still incredible. They've gotten pretty darn good at landing those spent boosters on barges and whatnot. Also that cockpit looked slick. Their suits and the control panels looked really sleek compared to the very technical cockpit in the Space Shuttle.

[Inkling]

When I heard there was a tornado watch in the area I started picturing a rocket fuel firenado.  It'd be appropriate this year.

Let's hope the weather cooperates on Saturday.  Sometimes I wonder why they launch from Florida, home of the afternoon pop up thunderstorm.

[PatMan33]

Sometimes I wonder why they launch from Florida, home of the afternoon pop up thunderstorm.

Has to do with the proximity to the Earth's equator. You don't need to launch there, but the closer you are to the equator the more you can take advantage of the planet's rotation. It spins faster there. And then you also have the benefits of it being a peninsula and wide open sea in most directions.

[Brandonazz]

Same reason the USSR used Kazakhstan rather than a launch site in Eastern Europe, and the ESA launches from French Guiana.

[PatMan33]

IT WORKED!

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFocqVe3NuM" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFocqVe3NuM</a>

Sadly I missed it because I was pulling an ATV out of a lake and bringing it back to life. My family does silly things sometimes.

[Slinky]

Love the one guy in that video that sounds like a cheesy baseball announcer