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Watch SpaceX push the Falcon 9 rocket to its limits (updated)
SpaceX launches are seldom boring, but its next mission will be notable precisely for what isn't happening. Elon Musk's outfit is poised to launch the Inmarsat-5 F4 broadband satellite on May 15th at 7:20PM ET, and the payload is both so heavy (13,448lbs) and going into such a high orbit (22,000 miles) that the Falcon 9 rocket won't have enough propellant left to land. That's right -- although SpaceX had hoped to make a habit of reusing rockets, this vehicle won't be returning safely to terra firma. This weight shouldn't be an issue once Falcon Heavy is available, but the larger rocket won't be ready to fly for a while.
Gogo goes global: partnership with Inmarsat to give you the internet on international flights
Ahh, Gogo, what a fantastic addition you've been to domestic airline travel. Besides keeping rowdy kids entertained with internet access, it affords well-traveled tech bloggers the ability to do what we do at 30,000 feet. And now, Gogo's wondrous WiFi will do the same for international passengers thanks to Inmarsat's Global Xpress satellite internet service. The partnership adds speedy Ka-band satellite technology to Gogo's existing air-to-ground service starting in 2013. After launching the Inmarsat-5 satellite in midyear, up to 50Mb/s speeds will be at your flying fingertips in some (currently undefined) regions, with worldwide coverage coming in 2014. Full details of your inflight future await in the PR after the break.
