SpaceX Declares Falcon 1 Launch Successful Despite Failure to Reach Orbit

Despite failing to reach orbit, SpaceX has declared that the second flight of its Falcon 1 launcher was a success nevertheless. Unlike the first rocket, which exploded shortly after leaving the pad, the second one made it into space but failed to achieve orbit. Space-X officials claimed that most objectives were met.

SpaceX hopes to develop the Falcon 1 launcher and its successor, Falcon 9, as low-cost alternatives to traditional launch vehicles. The company is based in El Segundo, Calif.