Commercial space launch is set to go into high-gear as SpaceX begins the Falcon 9 launch campaign from Cape Canaveral in February 2010. The new commercial space launch booster will make its maiden launch on a demonstration mission [range request is for February 2, 2010 but there appears to be a range conflict to be resolved]. The mission will carry the qualification unit for SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which the company plans to fly on resupply missions to the International Space Station, [SpaceVidCast report].NASA is helping to fund development of the rocket and a cargo version of Dragon, and is considering proposals from SpaceX, Orbital Sciences Corp. and others to develop passenger-carrying capsules as well. NASA will award grants in November worth up to $50 million to study commercial space taxis.
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