Feb. 27, 2008 — SpaceX has completed the qualification testing program of its Merlin 1C next generation liquid fueled rocket booster engine (pictured above) for use in the Falcon 1 rocket. “This was the final development milestone required for the next Falcon 1 flight,” said Elon Musk, CEO and CTO of SpaceX. Read the full story.

Click here to read a letter from Wende Doohan about our launch schedule.

The Explorers Flight, named as a tribute to the persistence of humanity in constantly seeking new frontiers, is projected to occur no earlier than June 21, 2008 aboard a Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) Falcon 1 launch vehicle from a site in the Marshall Islands.

The Explorers Flight, with 208 participants from 14 countries, will be the largest Memorial Spaceflight ever conducted, and will be viewed around the globe via a webcast originating from the SpaceX Omelek Island launch facility.

Please note that while reservations for the Explorers Flight are closed, we are taking reservations for future Earth Orbit, Earth Return, Lunar and Voyager Flights. Click here for more information.

Given the great travel distances, the expense, and the unpredictability of precise launch dates, Celestis will conduct its prelaunch memorial service at a location in the continental United States and present the webcast as part of the service. Dates and location tbd.

We have received a few requests from family members who may wish to travel to the Marshall Islands for a remote (shipboard) viewing of the launch. We are currently investigating the possibility of hosting such a viewing. Please contact us if you wish to be included in the planning for this potential opportunity.