Here is a cool video of the launch of the 1st private space flight to the international space station. It’s very exciting to see a private company, SpaceX, taking over low-earth orbit. Hopefully this will not only be a cheaper way to get stuff into space, but will allow NASA to focus on other things. I don’t see why private industry can’t take over launching a lot of great stuff into space, assuming the incentives are properly aligned (i.e. we can keep the politics to a minimum and focus on getting the best product possible.) This could be a great way for the US to keep its lead in space flight.
Anyway, enough editorializing, here’s the video of the rocket launch