.png)
 |
| 2014 Tesla Model S |
Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, has unveiled an upgraded passenger version of the Dragon cargo ship NASA buys for resupply runs to the International Space Station.
Rather than parachuting down into the ocean, the new capsule is outfitted with powerful motors and landing legs to make precision touchdowns on land, said SpaceX founder and chief executive Elon Musk, a billionaire technology entrepreneur who also runs the Tesla Motors Inc electric car company.
"That is how a 21st century spaceship should land," Mr Musk said to an audience at SpaceX's California headquarters.
More than 32,500 people also watched the Dragon unveiling on a live SpaceX webcast.
"It is conceivable that we could do the first flight to orbit," said Mr Musk. "We would initially do it without people at the end of next year and then the first flight with people would be in 2016 and we think that would be very achievable."
Lifting the vehicle's hatch, Mr Musk settled into a reclined gold-and-black pilot's seat and pulled down a sleek, rounded glass control panel. The cabin, designed to fly a crew of seven, looked more like a Star Trek film set than the flight deck of NASA's now-retired space shuttle.
Dragon, which launches on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, is one of three privately owned space taxis vying for NASA development funds and launch contracts.
Read the full story: www.telegraph.co.uk
Follow Larry Elder on Twitter
"Like" Larry Elder on Facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comment Policy:
The author of this blog will attempt to engage in conversation via the comments section whenever possible and recognize the 24/7 nature of the internet. Moderating and posting of comments will occur during regular operational hours Monday through Friday. Comments submitted after hours or on weekends will be read and posted as early as possible, however admins and/or the author is unable to commit to replying to every comment posted.
This is a moderated blog. That means all comments will be reviewed before posting. In addition, it is expected that participants will treat each other, as well as the author and admin, with respect. Comments that contain vulgar or abusive language; personal attacks of any kind will not be posted. Comments that are spam or that promote services or products will not be posted. It is requested that all comments remain on topic.
The Elder Statement blog does not guarantee or warrant that any information posted by individuals on this blog is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. The Elder Statement blog may not be able to verify, does not warrant or guarantee, and assumes no liability for anything posted on this website by any other person. The Elder Statement blog does not endorse, support or otherwise promote any private or commercial entity or the information, products or services contained on those Web sites that may be reached through links on our Web site.
To protect individual privacy and the privacy of others, please do not include phone numbers, addresses or email details in the body of a comment. Such information will result in removal of a comment.
Thank you for your attention.
The Elder Statement