SpaceX to Make 3rd Attempt to Launch a Satellite into Orbit Today with Their Newest Falcon 9 Rocket

Third time's the charm?
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Last week, we watched SpaceX try to launch their first satellite into geostationary orbit, and it was disappointing when the launch was called off due to technical concerns. They failed again in their second attempt on Thanksgiving, so we’ll have the live stream again today at 5:25PM EST to see if their third attempt is successful.

Despite how dubious it may seem to move on to a third launch attempt, SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk is still confident that the rocket will accomplish its mission, and he kind of has to be. Successfully placing the SES-8 satellite into orbit would be a turning point for SpaceX, because it would open the door to similar missions they already have lined up for the future, which would bring in huge profits.

Musk had this to say at a prelaunch briefing today:

I don’t want to tempt fate, but I think it’s going to have a pretty significant impact on the world launch market and on the launch industry because our prices are the most competitive of any in the world.

We don’t want to tempt fate, either, but we’d be really excited to see what a revolution in the cost and availability of commercial spaceflight would bring, too. Good luck, Falcon 9.

(via Universe Today, image via Phil Plait)

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Dan Van Winkle
Dan Van Winkle (he) is an editor and manager who has been working in digital media since 2013, first at now-defunct Geekosystem (RIP), and then at The Mary Sue starting in 2014, specializing in gaming, science, and technology. Outside of his professional experience, he has been active in video game modding and development as a hobby for many years. He lives in North Carolina with Lisa Brown (his wife) and Liz Lemon (their dog), both of whom are the best, and you will regret challenging him at Smash Bros.