SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch!

[Scott]

Who's thrilled by this major accomplishment in spaceflight? SpaceX as private venture has achieved a breakthrough in reusable spacecraft launching. The hope is to drive down the cost by reusing rocket boosters rather than watching them flail to earth or burn up in the atmosphere.

Elon Musk will be an historic figure, possibly the first man to die from old-age on Mars. All of his ventures, from Tesla electric cars, to solar/battery complexes and Hyperloop transit system to SpaceX are geared to his vision of colonizing Mars. "I'd like to die on Mars, just not on impact." He may yet attain that goal!

Rather long and informative video, skip to 21m 30s to see the launch from T-30 seconds. The mission was an overall success, though the center rocket was not recovered, and Musk's red Tesla Roadster's orbit is deeper in the solar system than planned.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCc16uozHVE"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCc16uozHVE[/ame]

 

[SailBoat]

Unleash the restraints of government and behold the power of free thinking Americanism! The pride is beyond words! Way To Go SpaceX!!!

 

[itchyfeet]

My children were late out of class because they were watching the live stream yesterday. They were very excited by the humorous tesla addition.
We then enjoyed this video...
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSarvZ5Lzzo"]Elon Musk's SpaceX Blooper Reel - YouTube[/ame]

 

[texsize]

I can appreciate the accomplishments of space X but......
I work for a company in So.Cal. And I know several people that worked for Space X.
I would not work for them if they were the last employer on earth.
They expect 12 hour days, no excuses. They don't care if that leaves you with no time for family life. They don't care if you have no family life.
They don't care about their employees at all.

Perhaps it's different if you are an engineer or someone in management.
The average grunt (hourly worker) gets no consideration.

I do wonder what any aliens out there must be tinking about launching a car into space :33:

 

[Sunnyclover]

I watched the launch live when it happened and it's amazing! We have stock.in SpaceX too so.it was even more special.

 

[Scott]

I can appreciate the accomplishments of space X but......
I work for a company in So.Cal. And I know several people that worked for Space X.
I would not work for them if they were the last employer on earth.
They expect 12 hour days, no excuses. They don't care if that leaves you with no time for family life. They don't care if you have no family life.
They don't care about their employees at all.

Perhaps it's different if you are an engineer or someone in management.
The average grunt (hourly worker) gets no consideration.

I do wonder what any aliens out there must be tinking about launching a car into space :33:

I've heard similar; Elon Musk is a workaholic, perfectionist, and expects work completed in a week that typically takes a month or more. He demands the same from every level of employee, so only the most dedicated folks who place family/relationships/friends/sleeping as dead last priority need apply!

That said, he is a brilliant man who knows how to achieve the impossible and will go down in history as a world-class inventor and businessman. Despite his demanding ways, he is not a malicious person and is a hands-on leader, always willing to support and problem solve in the thick of battle. I could never work for him as I've always prioritized time away from work as equally important to earning a living!