SpaceX lands a rocket on the ocean after delivering an inflatable habitat module

[snuggans]

(finally)

one step closer to reusable rockets, we didn't have to embarrass ourselves depending on the Ruskies to supply the ISS, and SpaceX showed off in the process

i thought the landing pad was some simple ocean platform but it's officially called an "autonomous spaceport drone ship" and does a bunch of neat stuff itself

[Gaidin]

Next, we crash it and say it's on purpose this time because everybody will believe us since they've seen us stick the landing.

[Cyclops]

Hopefully he won't be dragging any alien infested asteroids back home to bother us, pesky Musk kid.

Seriously significant stuff though. The old socialist in me is dying a little that private enterprise is destroying the Government agencies for innovation.

[Gaidin]

The old socialist in me is dying a little that private enterprise is destroying the Government agencies for innovation.

They destroyed themselves by cutting the funding.

[snuggans]

what did SpaceX deliver to the ISS other than supplies?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bigelo...ctivity_Module

The BEAM is an experimental program in an effort to test and validate expandable habitat technology. If BEAM performs favorably, it could lead to development of expandable habitation structures for future crews traveling in deep space. The two-year demonstration period will:

• Demonstrate launch and deployment of a commercial inflatable module. Implement folding and packaging techniques for inflatable. Implement a venting system for inflatable shell during ascent to ISS.
• Determine radiation protection capability of inflatable structures.
• Demonstrate design performance of commercial inflatable structure like thermal, structural, mechanical durability, long term leak performance, etc.
• Demonstrate safe deployment and operation of an inflatable structure in a flight mission.

anybody getting The Martian vibes here?

[Menelik_I]

Great to see some actual progress in private space, I wish they could build a space tugger that can refueled in orbit and a space fuel depot, it is a shame there is isn't a mobile space ship permanently in orbit and capable of travel.