The untold story of Malaysia's role in SpaceX's survival.
Malaysia was instrumental in keeping SpaceX alive in its early years. One could argue it helped save Elon during his lowest financial period.
Falcon 1's first three launches, 2006 to 2008, all failed. The company was nearly bankrupt — grown men were weeping after the third failure. The fourth flight in September 2008 finally reached orbit with a dummy payload, RatSat. But still, no paying customer.
SpaceX needed a real commercial customer to prove the business was viable.
That customer was Malaysia.
Malaysia was looking to launch its satellite, RazakSAT, and needed a reliable, cost-effective option. Dr Ahmad Sabirin first give Elon a call on Christmas 2003 to explore the possibilities of launching of satellite to the low equatorial orbit and met in El Segundo, And after many discussions, they agreed to launch from Omelek Island in the Kwajalein Atoll.
On July 14, 2009, RazakSAT flew — the fifth and final Falcon 1, and SpaceX's first-ever commercial launch. The Malaysian flag Jalur Gemilang was painted on the side of the rocket.
That payment helped SpaceX make payroll through its hardest stretch. And it put Malaysia in orbit. Win win.
For old times' sake, Elon should drop by Malaysia. Ask someone to hold his teh tarik for one more handshake.
Dr Ahmad Sabirin & Elon, 2004.
Melalak “tiada tindakan” tidak menjadikannya benar. Negara ini ditadbir oleh undang-undang, bukan emosi dan spekulasi di ruangan komen.
Selamat berbuka semua!
@d_n0112@sadboissKL@anthraxxxx Ada traffic light yang simpang ke kiri kita boleh jalan walaupun merah sebab ada signboard "belok jika tiada kenderaan dan pejalan kaki". Sebagai pemandu kena alert simpang macam ni untuk elak orang belakang hon
Kapir ni bukan kisah sangat pasal budaya melayu pun. Budaya melayu yang dia rindu 2 je, melayu minum kencing setan dengan perempuan melayu pakai kebaya ketat nampak tetek.
I am reminded of something said by my Malaysian Studies prof at uni - that Malay culture is no longer practiced.
A lot of Malays have lost their cultural identity, appropriating Arabic culture instead.
Someone should start a movement to preserve it, lest it be lost forever.
The deaths of women and children in Gaza are the fault of Hamas, not Israel, just like the deaths in Japan during World War 2 were the fault of Japan, not America. When a government engages in unprovoked, murderous aggression, they are to blame for everything that results.
Puas hati tengok dia kena sepak....
Video tular pergaduhan melibatkan 2 individu di Plaza Tol Kempas, Johor Bahru dipercayai berpunca akibat tidak puasa hati selepas di hon.
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