SpaceX Falcon 9 NASA COTS Demo 1 launch
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla.--SpaceX Falcon 9 NASA COTS Demo 1 carrying the Dragon spaceecraft launches Dec. 8, 2010, at 10:43 a.m. from Pad 40 here with range and safety support from the 45th Space Wing. "This is a true milestone mission, the first time a commercial company has launched and attempted reentry of a capsule," said Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson, 45th Space Wing commander. (Photo courtesy of Alan Walters, awaltersphoto.com)