Rocking the Herd
Time was, every manned space flight was broadcast across the main networks and everyone knew each astronaut’s name. Now, space travel is so routine it’s a challenge to name the latest launch or even one current astronaut. With space technology now going private, here’s one video example from the rocket company SpaceX, which shows a test flight of the Falcon 9 Reusable which can blast off and, hey lookit that, return to the launch pad. This video shows the F9R recently going up to 1000 meters and returning to earth at their facility in McGregor, TX, with a tantalizing shot looking earthward from the nose of the rocket. The second half shows the point of view from a herd of cows in a field nearby. Most of us will never see a rocket ride, and this may be as close as we get to feel what it’s like to lift off. The cows were, of course, closer than they wanted to be. –Eric Gould