SpaceX Revolutionizing the Space Industry
In 2017 SpaceX plans to be the first company to make reusable rockets. SpaceX was rewarded a contract from NASA for 2.6 billion dollars (Rp. Trilliun) for transporting astronauts to the ISS (International Space Station). SpaceX’s CEO Elon Musk says that other than reusable rockets his goal is to be the first entrepreneur to send an astronaut into space and is very enthusiastic on getting humanity to mars.
Historically, rockets after entering space will detach the empty fuel boosters, leaving them to fall back to earth. Fear not as they burn out and disintegrate quickly before ever reaching the surface. Because rocket boosters aren’t cheap, this is what makes the rocket industry expensive. Sending 1 kilogram into space can cost up to $20,000 (Rp250.000.000). So rather than making a new rocket from scratch, SpaceX aspires to invent boosters that return to their designated landing pad.
So what are we to expect from SpaceX after they complete their goals? Currently the Falcon Heavy is able to send a kilo into space for only $2,000, drastically decreasing costs. But Elon Musk says that it’s still costly and their planning on bringing it down to $200 a kilo. Satellite launching costs will decrease and monthly internet prices will follow. Space travel will also become available for the average income person in the future. The money that was not wasted in building new rockets from scratch can now be utilized for research and etc.
It won’t be a walk in the park for SpaceX as the rocket will land on a floating platform only slightly bigger than the rocket itself. SpaceX needs to consider the possibility of bad landing conditions such as hard waves and bad weather. Not to mention on January 10th, the falcon 9 booster tipped over and crashed into the landing pad after the winglets ran out of hydraulic fuel. But even after the misfortune, Musk remains positive.
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http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/01/16/elon-musk-shares-images-of-falcon-9s-crash-landing/