Hawthorne Based SpaceX Makes History

SpaceX, the Hawthorne based space exploration company (think rockets), made history today by being the first privately funded institution to launch and place into orbit a privately developed space vehicle.

The launch of the Falcon 9 rocket took place at 11:45 a.m. local time from a launch pad out in Cape Canaveral. This comes after months of testing that included some recent disappointments, such as a scrubbed engine firing.

As the flight progressed, SpaceX engineers cheered the successful separation of the first stage which in turn initiated the final phase that placed the capsule in orbit.

NASA is looking to leverage the work of SpaceX and other similar organizations to help maintain the International Space Station and support other projects once the shuttle fleet is retired.

A video of the flight has been posted on SpaceX's website.