David-
Actually, the SpaceX Falcon 1 or 1e could put a spacecraft into HEO or lunar transfer orbit:
http://www.spacex.com/FalconLunarCapabilityGuide.pdf
The stated cost for this is around $9m. Of course, they haven't gotten a successful orbit yet from a F1....maybe the third time will be the charm. Hitching a ride on a larger launch vehicle like the F9 is interesting, assuming there is capacity and the willingness to be a guinea pig (and there WILL be a cost to anyone wanting a ride)...
It will be interesting to see what launch opportunities will be available in the next few years (if any)...
Dave AF6KD
On Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 4:40 PM, [email protected] wrote:
The anticipated 'going rate' for this new vehicle is shown at the bottom of the page.
_http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php_ (http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php)
Test flight anyone?
David
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