Despite All Predictions, No Stupid Questions Asked

January 13, 2012.  Over 35 DAFers showed up for a Wayne-arranged tour of the SpaceX facility in Hawthorne.  SpaceX is the private rocket manufacturer founded by Elon Musk (the founder of PayPal).  Last December, SpaceX became the first private company to launch a spacecraft into orbit and have it return intact.  NASA recently announced that SpaceX has been contracted to launch and dock its Dragon capsule with the International Space Station in 2012.

Our SpaceX hosts were very hospitable - starting off with a multimedia overview of the SpaceX operation followed by a factory tour.  The technology was very impressive as was the energy and passion of the SpaceX employees.  Everyone took away something different.  As he watched a giant keg-like cylinder being welded on a rotating platform, Peter was overheard to mumble "Mmmmm...beer".

Thanks again to Wayne for arranging this fascinating trip.