WesternAustralia
27-06-2004, 20:06
The WestAustralian
Today members of the WesternAustralian Aerospace Institution celebrated a successful launch of a manned spacecraft into orbit. The Geograph has successfully launched ‘astro-dog’ Alex into a low orbit around the globe. WAAI administrater Bob Kerraski commented “this is great moment for the institution, an absolutely terrific moment.” The Prime Minister also shared his enthusiasm and said that the launch was “a powerful event for all WestAustralians”.
The launch from Christmas Island has rejuvenated confidence in the costly program after the previous attempt to launch resulted in a fiery explosion at ground level at the Port Hedland Space Station. The Christmas Island station was expanded at a cost of $1,325,000,000 accommodate for the launch, meanwhile the Port Hedland station remains closed as the clean up continues.
Although successful satellite launches have been previously made from Christmas Island this is the first time a manned rocket has been launched. The rocket was designed in WesternAustralia but included assembly parts manufactured in Singapore, Japan, the USA, France and Russia. Until now the largest project under taken by the WAAI was in co-operation with the Defence Department to test and construct intercontinental missiles.
The Geograph and Alex will land in the Great Sandy Desert by the end of the week. The success of the launch has no doubt boosted hopes from within the WAAI for the continuation of increased funding. It’s expected that the first manned rocket will be in a few months time to mark the 180th Foundation Day celebration.
OOC: Looking for partners to expand into shuttle-based space launches and partnership in constructing or joining an orbital space research station.
Today members of the WesternAustralian Aerospace Institution celebrated a successful launch of a manned spacecraft into orbit. The Geograph has successfully launched ‘astro-dog’ Alex into a low orbit around the globe. WAAI administrater Bob Kerraski commented “this is great moment for the institution, an absolutely terrific moment.” The Prime Minister also shared his enthusiasm and said that the launch was “a powerful event for all WestAustralians”.
The launch from Christmas Island has rejuvenated confidence in the costly program after the previous attempt to launch resulted in a fiery explosion at ground level at the Port Hedland Space Station. The Christmas Island station was expanded at a cost of $1,325,000,000 accommodate for the launch, meanwhile the Port Hedland station remains closed as the clean up continues.
Although successful satellite launches have been previously made from Christmas Island this is the first time a manned rocket has been launched. The rocket was designed in WesternAustralia but included assembly parts manufactured in Singapore, Japan, the USA, France and Russia. Until now the largest project under taken by the WAAI was in co-operation with the Defence Department to test and construct intercontinental missiles.
The Geograph and Alex will land in the Great Sandy Desert by the end of the week. The success of the launch has no doubt boosted hopes from within the WAAI for the continuation of increased funding. It’s expected that the first manned rocket will be in a few months time to mark the 180th Foundation Day celebration.
OOC: Looking for partners to expand into shuttle-based space launches and partnership in constructing or joining an orbital space research station.