That is how long Atlas rockets have been flying. First developed as an ICBM, the first launch was in 1957.
An Atlas-V was launched earlier tonight to boost the X-37 into orbit. That particular launched used a Centaur upper stage; those have only been flying since 1965.
There's a lot to be said for mature tech.
(H/T)
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4 comments:
Agreed! I've been operational since '49!
If I recall correctly, the R-7 ICBM launcher that became Soyuz was initially flown in 1959. So right now, we're reliant upon a 51-year-old launch system as the only way to get mankind into space. Cool! Just goes to show that the laws of physics really *are* laws, you can tweak the technology, but putting a particular specific impulse out the tail is not subject to the sort of leaps that data processing technology is because you have some actual physical limits there...
- Badtux the Physics Geek Penguin
I curse the fools who canceled continuing production of the Saturn V
That would be Richard M. Nixon, about whom Gonzo had the last word. He was a small-minded venal little man with a small-minded venal little attitude towards things like manned space flight. When he took office, he allowed the rockets then under construction to be completed... but not one dime more for any additional rockets. It's too bad there's no such thing as heaven or hell, because if there was a hell, I'd pay extra to go there just to watch his venal ass fry for eternity.
- Badtux the Vicious Penguin
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