[Satellite News 08-04-08] Space Exploration Technologies Corp’s (SpaceX) fortunes have taken another turn for the worse, with yet another launch failure. Approximately two minutes after its August 2 launch, SpaceX’s Falcon 1 Flight 3 experienced a stage separation malfunction, which prevented the rocket and its payload from reaching orbit.
    The Falcon was carrying three small satellites — the U.S. Department of Defense’s Trailblazer and NASA’s PRESat and NanoSail-D – as well as the remains of 208 people who had paid to have their ashes released into space. Among them astronaut Gordon Cooper and the actor James Doohan, noted for his role as "Scotty" on the original "Star Trek" television series.
    This is the third failure in a row for SpaceX. In March 2006, Falcon 1 Flight 1 failed due to a fuel line leak. A year later, Falcon 1 Flight 2 successfully reached space but was lost about five minutes after launching.
    SpaceX announced the launch shortly before it took place on the morning of August 2. Scheduled to lift off from Kwajalein Atoll, Flight 3 was to be webcasted live over the Internet. During the webcast, oscillations became apparent roughly two minutes into the flight. Shortly after, the camera’s coverage was lost and an announcement was made that there was a malfunction.
    On August 3, SpaceX founder Elon Musk released a statement that although he was disappointed with the failure, the company was happy that “the flight of our first stage, with the new Merlin 1C engine that will be used in Falcon 9, was picture perfect.” He also noted that the company would immediately move forward with Falcon 1 Flight 4 and continue developing Falcon 9, which conducted the first nine-engine firing of its launch vehicle at its test facility in Texas on July 30.
    “There should be absolutely zero question that SpaceX will prevail in reaching orbit and demonstrating reliable space transport,” said Musk.  “For my part, I will never give up and I mean never.”