Falcon 1: The Launch That Reached Orbit
On September 28, 2008, SpaceX's Falcon 1 reached Earth orbit on its fourth attempt. It became the first privately developed, liquid-fueled rocket to do so.
A fourth attempt
SpaceX had tried to launch Falcon 1 into orbit three times before, without success. On September 28, 2008, its fourth flight lifted off from Omelek Island in the Marshall Islands. This time, the rocket reached Earth orbit.
What made the flight historic?
Falcon 1 became the first privately developed and funded liquid-fueled rocket to reach orbit. The flight demonstrated that a private company could build and launch an orbital rocket.
What did it carry?
The rocket carried a demonstration payload called Demosat, also known as Ratsat. It reached orbit, but the payload did not separate from the rocket's second stage.
Why September 28 matters
After three unsuccessful flights, Falcon 1's fourth launch marked a breakthrough for SpaceX and a milestone in commercial spaceflight. The launch happened in the Marshall Islands; its connection to U.S. history is the American company behind the rocket.