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Too much to repost here so follow the link for some cool videos and pics of their engine tests, launch and test facilities, the F9 and the Dragon spaceship.
MONSTER Falcon 9 update at http://spacex.com/updates.php including....
Video of 2nd stage insertion burn....
and
Dragon stack...(launch nose cone at bottom, Dragon on top and its "trunk" - unpressurized cargo module - below. About 23 feet tall all together)
MONSTER Falcon 9 update at http://spacex.com/updates.php including....
On January 2, 2010, the team completed a full duration orbit insertion firing (329 seconds) of the integrated Falcon 9 second stage. At full power, the Merlin Vacuum engine generates 411,000 N (92,500 lbs force) of thrust, and operates with the highest performance ever for an American-made hydrocarbon rocket engine.
and
Recovery Preparations
Both the Falcon 9 first stage and Dragon spacecraft are designed to be recovered. For this first demonstration flight, the Dragon spacecraft will remain in orbit but our team will attempt recovery of the Falcon 9 first stage and has commenced with recovery testing operations.....
Both the Falcon 9 first stage and Dragon spacecraft are designed to be recovered. For this first demonstration flight, the Dragon spacecraft will remain in orbit but our team will attempt recovery of the Falcon 9 first stage and has commenced with recovery testing operations.....