"Time is drawing closer for the maiden liftoff of the privately financed Falcon 1 launch vehicle, built by Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) of El Segundo, California.
But the march to the launch pad has not been easy. The firm has encountered engine troubles, supplier problems, mounds of regulatory paperwork and other costly woes requiring far more money to be spent than initially projected.
The SpaceX Falcon 1 rocket is headed for a September delivery to Launch Complex 3 West at the Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Once in position, the launcher will undergo an on-the-pad firing of its main engine, leading to a potential first flight towards the end of November.
+ Read Article (Space.com)
Posted by jburk at August 17, 2026 11:16 AM | TrackBackThough the falcon is not part of the Xprize competition it is however dealing with the same regulartory laws as a commercial industry that each of the competitors have had to do as well.
Falcon rocket rides slow road toward flight
SpaceX deals with hurdles associated
with engine and environmental rules
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5725500/
Posted by: Harold LaValley at August 18, 2026 04:01 AM