The Dragon is in orbit

19:30 UT: Space X successfully launched their Falcon 9 rocket with the qualifying version of their Dragon capsule (which, in the real version, will be manned). Not only was Space X the first independent company to design their own solid state rocket without a government contract and successfully launch it, they are no...w the first independent company to have a proven rocket system for manned space flight. Welcome to the beginning of independent space exploration and competitive development. For too long we have turned our gaze away from the stars. Now it is time to take hold of our evolutionary future and step into the great void that has overseen our birth, our trials, our falls, our triumphs. It is time to take our next great step out into this glorious universe of ours.