Space-X, a fledgling rocket company, has announced that it will be attempting its first commercial launch this week. The falcon 1's cargo will be a satellite to be launched for the United States Air Force. Space-X has impressed contractors with its simple, reusable rocket design. It is already challenging more established rocket companies, having garnered some US$200 million worth of launch contracts without ever having launched a rocket. Space-X is founded by Elon Musk, the man behind the online payment system, PayPal. He founded the company in 2002, and said last week: "I actually don't feel nervous. I feel relieved. Nobody said rockets would be easy, but it was harder than that." Source:
http://www.newscientistspace.com
