Space-X rocket takes off

The Falcon 9, first of a new generation of private rockets, successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Friday. The 180-foot Space-X rocket put a model of its Dragon capsule into orbit about 160 miles up, setting the stage for possible flights to the international space station early next year. The flight came after an initial abort right at ignition. The launch was important to the Obama administration, which has proposed a far greater role for commercial space companies in the future of NASA. SpaceX plans to send a fully operational rocket and capsule into orbit later this summer and one to the space station next year. (Source: Washington Post, 06/04/10) Gulf Coast note: Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and Stennis Space Center, Miss., are both involved in NASA programs.