I learned from Gwynne Shotwell today that SpaceX has delayed the launch of the Falcon I from their earlier planned date of October 31st to later in November. She didn't describe any particular issue, other than that they want to take a little more time to make sure that they get everything right on this flight, which is their maiden one, and will be crucial to the credibility of their future endeavors. Unfortunately, if they delay past the third week of November, they'll lose their launch site in Kwajalein for a couple months, so if it doesn't fly in November, it won't fly until next year.

Good luck to them--a lot of hopes are riding on a company that can demonstrate that orbit doesn't have to cost as much, or take as long to develop, as conventional wisdom would indicate.

And everyone at SpaceX is, when they are not out on a lovely mid-Pacific beach ;), banging their heads on a wall after the last of the Titans finally stopped throwing its hissyfit and left the roost yesterday.

Oh well, if they have a flightworthy booster still at Vandanburg maybe they can pull the payload package and ship it back to there if they keep the hold past the 3rd week of November.

But you and they are right. Yes they've said they can afford ($) up to 3 launch failures. With everyone watching them, doing it right the first time is something to strive for. As Elon Musk has said, he will hold the launch till he gets 2 thumbs up from *everyone*.

"Dance like a butterfly, Sting like a bee." And when your opponent Boeing and LockMart ... you better dance well and sting the first time.

Though now that the Titan launched, they can use Vandenberg freely, so if there's another delay at Kwajalein, the mainland one will be the first launch probably (as originally planned).

sorry, the above poster already had the same point.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9767826/
An upstart rocket developer said Thursday it had gone to court to challenge plans by the Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp. to launch government satellites jointly

The years long trek to launch underscores a point being made in my website: "The First Launch Crisis"

"Starting Big" has not worked in all the startup attempts since OTRAG.

Whether this somewhat suprising lawsuit gives them a pathway remains to be seen.

But, still I think: "you must start small or not at all"

Big and small are relative terms Charles. They have tested the engine extensively, that's where the rubber meets the road.

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