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Massive rocket test in McGregor rattles Central Texas
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Update: SpaceX responds to residents’ concerns about Saturday night rocket test
The orange glow seen over McGregor late Saturday night wasn’t a bomb explosion or a Martian invasion.
Around 10:30 p.m., SpaceX, a private space exploration technologies company, tested its nine-engine Falcon 9 rocket at the McGregor Airport, said Lauren Dreyer, manager of business development for SpaceX.
Dreyer said the 177-second-long, nine-engine “mission duty cycle” was a complete success.
“We ran the engines just like they would run during flight,” Dreyer said. “But instead of being up in the air, they were held down. They weren’t moving.”
SpaceX is working on rockets to travel to the International Space Station, Dreyer said.
A Waco police spokeswoman said her department received dozens of calls from concerned citizens inquiring about the test, but Dreyer said SpaceX had been working with the McGregor community during the week, placing a notice in the McGregor Mirror and on the marquee in front of McGregor High School.
“This is something the public should be excited about,” Dreyer said. “It’s nothing to worry about.”
Dreyer said anyone with questions about Space X should contact her at lauren@spacex.com.
To read previous a previous Tribune-Herald profile of SpaceX, click here.
For the SpaceX press release on the test, click here.
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By waco resident
November 22, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
i thought the damn broke!!! and i live in west waco and it still shook my windows… they should have warned ppl about it
By Billie Preston
November 22, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
It was publicized, but when something like that hits, you and your house get rattled. My front door shook the entire time. Our side of town lit up like daylight. And it kept going - and going. Knowing what it was didn’t help. You stood and wondered. I think foundations of houses wondered too. If it had been New Years, it would have been one big firecracker. Just glad I hadn’t gone to bed yet. That would have been scary to be woke up with a big boom that kept booming.
By waco resident
November 22, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I thought it was awesome
By Woodway Resident
November 22, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I thought something was seriously wrong! My heart was pounding! I went to grab my children to shield them. I thought we were attacked or some kind of huge chemical explosion was occurring! It was loud, my house was shaking and the windows were rattling! Really some WARNING is called for!!! Someone needs to answer for why the residents of the entire area did not know beforehand as well as the news!!! It took at least 15 minutes after it ended to find out what it was when you could have alerted the news prior to the test so you didn’t alarm the area residents.
By Anonymous
November 22, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Idiots should have warned people. I thought the freaking world was ending.
By Lorena Resident
November 22, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I appreciate the fact that the company notified McGregor, but did they not think the test would affect the surrounding communities? We thought something was about to explode, and we couldn’t get through to 911 because so many people were calling. All they’d have to do in the future is put out a notice on the local TV stations.
By No Name
November 22, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I live in Chalk Bluff and it sure got my husband’s and my attention! That was some rocket power; it’s cool when you think about it now, but it wasn’t while you were hearing it not know it something was going on with your gas lines or something! Do it again, do it again! :)
By Courtney
November 22, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
It’s great that they let the McGregor community know about it in advance, but the rest of us that don’t live there had no clue what that was! I live in North Waco and heard the sound for several minutes. Maybe next time they should realize that it will stretch a bit further than just McGregor…although next time everyone will know what it is now!
By HEWITT, Resident
November 22, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Yeah SpaceX couldve let the news media know they were conducting a test. Out here in Hewitt we thought it was an earthquake. Things were shaking and I rounded up my family thinking what the hell is going on.
By Courtney
November 22, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
They should notify the news stations of this kind of testing as it was rattling our house so bad here in Hewitt that we all jumped up and ran outside trying to figure out what was happening. I even called the Hewitt police who said they did not know what was going on. (Comforting) You could feel the vibration in your chest.
By mikki
November 22, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
omg i thought somthing huge and bad exploded i think they should have said something because we were freaked
By Diane
November 22, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I was just leaving Waco tonight on Hwy 84 heading to McGregor. I saw a huge glow towards the west and it looked like it was daylight. I thought a plane had crashed and exploded. I was scared for my family in McGregor and I saw the huge rocket being tested that lit up the entire sky. This is ridiculous it scared me and my family. What kind of pollution is being emitted into the air because I could see the huge amount of smoke 13 miles from McGregor?
By diagem
November 22, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
well shucks. I live over her in Teague on the Due hiway and my barn rattled so hard it knocked a couple bales of hay down from the top loft and scared my cows and they went hitailing thru the fence and out on the due hiway and pulled two big old pecan trees down and blocled the darn hiway. I don’t reckon it’s anyone’s fault though.
By Lorena Resident
November 22, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Oh my, That was so wild. Our house shook it looked like daylight outside and it was so totally loud. I trip over everything on my patio running to see what it was. Pleeeeasse next time let Lorena know. It was a great big ball of fire and noise. Crap that was not nice to not let everyone know what was going to happen.
By Daniel
November 22, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I didnt know exactly what it was until now,although I new it was some kind of test. I live at the top of a big hill in Lorena,and have seen and heard that before from my back patio. So although my family wasn’t scared ,we wondered if it was really necessary to do this so late at night? A little consideration for your neighbors and a little advance notice would’ve been nice SpaceX.
By lorena mom
November 22, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
she says we should be excited about it? come on! i actually thought that there was an atomic bomb or chemical warfare. my windows rattled, the house shook, the sky was blazing, my dogs were going crazy and it kept on and on. did they really think a test of this magnitude wouldn’t affect anyone outside of mcgregor? i’m glad i don’t live in harris creek—their foundations probably need to be leveled. i now wish spacex wasn’t even here. that was awful!!! give people some warning!!!!
By fermin
November 23, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
It is amazing to know information about rocket testing in the McGregor area without hearing anything about it before hand - I was talking to a friend on the cell phone when they identified a huge orange glow towards McGregor Texas and then the phone went dead - so i went outside to see if I could spot anything but did not see much of nothing being I live in the south waco area and there are lots of trees blocking any kind of view - although we did hear a huge rumble that kept getting louder and you could feel the ground shaking - the feeling of uncertainty that maybe somekind of atomic blast would soon flatten us was a most uneasy feeling … then suddenly there was no more sound nor ground shaking - I called my aunt that lives in McGregor and she said that their house was shaking so bad that she thought it was surely the end of the world …. what kind danger are these people exposing us to !!!!
By waco mom
November 23, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
why would they only notify mcgregor citizens unless they really had no idea how much power was behind that 9-engine rocket? yikes! that’s a scary thought…
By mcgregor bulldog
November 23, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
This was the most bad a&* thing I have ever seen! I can’t believe something so awesome is happening right here in Waco! These guys are going to be the new NASA.
By Jermiah
November 23, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I quite enjoyed it. Nothing like a glass a scotch a lawn chair a cigar and 1.5 million foot pounds of pressure to make someone feel alive.
By Marie
November 23, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I’m sorry that the test scared so many people but I’m used to hearing these tests during the day so I knew what it was when the rumbling started out. This was the first one this loud and at night, I wasn’t going to go outside but my husband went out and called me to look because we can see the flames from my hilltop view of McGregor. Wow, what a sight. The whole western sky was lit in a gold to orange glow. I thought it was beautiful, not a site that many people see unless you actually watch a space shuttle take off at night in person. Too bad the complainers on here could not have enjoyed the view that I had, you really would have liked it.
By liscensed voter
November 23, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Marie, maybe noone enjoyed it because, like you said, you knew what was happening. imagine sitting in your living room watching tv when your walls start rattling and your dogs are going crazy, you have no idea what’s going on because spaceX decided not to warn anyone in the surrounding areas. we live about 50 feet from a train track and our house rattles quite often, but when you realize that it’s not a train, and that the rattlings getting stronger, you start to wonder and worry.
By TB
November 23, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
The test was amazing even from Waco, and it would have been great to be notified just so we could have driven closer to watch it! You should go to the spaceX site and watch some of the videos - pretty incredible.
By Stephen Rubio
November 23, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I live not even a mile away and my entire apartment complex was shaking!! I thought Space X was about to explode. The sky was lite up like it was day time and there was a hugh orange light coming from the distance. The sound was so loud I ran outside and had to cover my ears. I was ready to take cover in matter of seconds just in case the nine shuttle engines broke loose.
By Shaken Not Stired
November 23, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I live in Valley Mills, just taking the last steak off the grill. Space-X shook the T-Bone off the grill hit my dog on the head, he thought I smacked him, he bit my ankle. My wife just getting into our water bed shook up a huge wave, threw her out of bed. She blamed it all on me. Milk in frig.is now butter-milk, the cats,will not leave the kitchen. My son couldn’t hear his stereo, cranked it up, blew the windows out of the neighbors house. Guess I’ll be replacing them on Sunday. It was a great light show!
By Boo Hoo Hoo
November 23, 2008 3:27 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
BOO HOO HOO…..God it was a freaking engine, some of you act like it was a nuclear explosion. One of you said you was trying to shield your children, FROM WHAT? If it was a bomb, we would have been vaporized anyway. What a bunch of whiney a* pussies you people are. I guess all of you scardy cats are gonna want some sort of compensation for this huh?
By phil
November 23, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Marie you are right it is awsome to see it and here it! Now for all the other citizens of our fine community shocking yes shaking trembling, yes earthmoving yes, but come on people this is technology and we have it in our own backyard. The earth coming to an end or a “attack” lets be real here, and as far as the pollution concern from lorena mom, get a life where would technology be if we had to worry about a momentary engine start. Everyday in houston or L.A. is way more pollution than that was this is for science!
By cd
November 23, 2008 5:26 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
There are only 2 reasons I can think of why a company wouldn’t notify the media outside of McGregor
1 they had no clue how much power or noise this would put out and that is the scary part. 2 they expected to many complaints before the test happened which is very possible in this are of Texas.It’s better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. Honestly you would think the company would want as much media coverage as possible on this so why didn’t they contact the media in the area?
By Fred
November 23, 2008 5:34 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Slaughterhouse! Murder! Poor police! Fiery rocket engines of hell!
By peggy in valley mills
November 23, 2008 5:41 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I read all the comments and i loved the one from Jermiah… now that was funny !!! Have any of these people not heard Fort Hood and all their tests??? They shake my windows more than Space X…. you go space X.. we need the tech. Waco may at last be coming out of the 18th century !!!!!
By eric
November 23, 2008 6:14 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I’m not sure WHO is contacted about these tests…but I work at a plant not more than a mile away from these people and we have NEVER been notified when they are going to test!!!
By eric
November 23, 2008 6:23 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I’m not sure WHO is contacted about these tests…but I work at a plant not more than a mile away from these people and we have NEVER been notified when they are going to test!!!
By bj
November 23, 2008 6:25 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
It was a great opportunity to visit with all my neighbors here in China Spring…….EVERYBODY came outside to check it out. Please do it again !!!
By Dragonslayer
November 23, 2008 6:33 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Well hell, that’s what I get for having a few ice cold Coors Lights before bedtime, between them and my damn meowing cat I missed all the ecitement, let me know when they’re gonna test another one!
By Waco is Full Of Idiots
November 23, 2008 6:54 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Space-X has been in the news media several times. They test rocket engines. Rocket engines are loud. Get a grip. Everybody says they want the Waco area to grow, but when a state-of-the-art company comes in everybody whines and complains because they are too loud or because the company didn’t call everybody and tell them what was about to happen. Good gosh people. Sit back and shut up and be thankful that we have a great company in our area that hasn’t gone out of business or laid off employees. Keep blasting Space-X.
By E
November 23, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
It was awesome.
By VirtualBlair
November 23, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I just figured it was the “possible” mini black holes, burrowing through to the center of earth, being created by the new european supercollider. At that point, I figured, it was too late to call friends and family…which is why you should always treat people with respect and thankfulness when you say goodbye….we are not thankful however, that space X is so free to do whatever they want and dont have to let the general public know about it.
By P
November 23, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I, too, live in North Waco and it scared us here too. They should have put it in the Waco paper and on the news. It went a long way. We felt it in our house, our neighbors came outside and no one knew what it was. Now that I know what it was that’s pretty awesome.
By VirtualBlair
November 23, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I just figured it was the “possible” mini black holes, burrowing through to the center of earth, being created by the new european supercollider. At that point, I figured, it was too late to call friends and family…which is why you should always treat people with respect and thankfulness when you say goodbye….we are not thankful however, that space X is so free to do whatever they want and dont have to let the general public know about it.
By Robinson
November 23, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Gee! Let people know all around the area of something this big going to happen. I heard it in the house and went outside just wondering what is happening. The screen doors and windows were shaking and it was loud here in Robinson. I got on the scanner and even local Police thought it was a plane crash or something. People let the area police know surround McGregor. This was not alittle SOUND going on. With this time things going on in our world and the President home in Crawford….who knows what could be going down. Just let people know about the testing…..!
By Kevin
November 23, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
It was awesome! I wonder how many people were down on their knees praying for God’s forgiveness when it was happening!!! Amazing how many people suddenly develop Faith during an unexpected event!
By Lorena homeowner
November 23, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I had just gone to bed and thought the noise was thunder, but when it did not stop I ran to the back door. I have never heard of SpaceX and really thought that there had either been a huge plane crash or that a factory or fuel storage facility of some sort must have blown up. We could see and smell the smoke that was rising above the tree lines, it smelled similar to an alcohol funny car. Pretty darn scary; however, thank God it was just a test and no one was hurt. I agree some sort of notification to the surrounding communities was in order so that we would have been prepared.
By Rocket Testing
November 23, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
10:30 PM is an ideal time to be testing rockets, but between midnight and 3:00 AM would be even better!!! Hell, while we’re at it let’s shoot off a few scud missiles and launch anything and everything we can get our hands on! Lauren Dreyer and these sorry bastards who caused all this commotion can kiss my a*.
By Jerry Kyle
November 23, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Is there going to be a point of contact that will help process claims for damage caused by their money making company?
By Lorena homeowner
November 23, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
to Robinson, follow your news, the President is NOT in Crawford, he is in Peru at a summit. Geeze.
By Hewitt
November 23, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
You should blame the media for not informing the public, because the media was informed but they didnt think it was NEWS WORTHY. SpaceX just made HISTORY!!!! WAY TO GO SPACEX!!!!!
By Niki
November 23, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
My husband and I were outside with some friends when it started. It was scary at first becuse we thought they were working on a rocket and it had exploded. After it was over I called the McGregor Police and found out what it was. It was a great site to see.
By Lorena Homeowner
November 23, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I think some imaginations are running wild. My foundation didn’t shake, windows didn’t rattle and my cat seemed rather calm. I would say more of these things (rattlings) happen when one of the President’s fighter jets decides to let loose on their after-burners (they never let us know either) or when Ft Hood blows the whatever out of one of their test enemy sites with mortars, canons and machine gun fire (never notifed me either). I would bet that Space X will be more sensitive about testing in the future but let’s not lose it over this event. There are much more serious things happening that should be the focus of our attention. God Bless
By jenpanda
November 23, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I heard it on Baylor’s campus, it reminded me of home. haha I am from a small town with an Air Force base so I grew up hearing F-16s and much larger aircraft take off and land. I knew it wasn’t a plane when it didn’t fade away, but anyone who has lived near a military base for long could have recognized an engine when they heard one.
By KBD
November 23, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
It is said to see the number of people who do not know the major businesses around our area. Stuff like this will happen whenever this is a rocket engine manufacturing and design company in the area that you live in. Also, an atomic bomb or a chemical warefare attack??? Seriously? Paranoia is something to keep to yourself, not make an a* of yourself in some blog. Anyways, have you ever heard of a bomb that looks like a fountain firework on the fourth of July…emmitting a fountain of flames? Come on now, YOU are not a target.
By Another Lorena Resident
November 23, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
It must have depended on where exactly you live, we too live in Lorena and it shook our windows and scared us half to death. We were asleep and awakened by something that we had not idea what it was. I am sure it WOULD have been awesome too is we would have known what it was beforehand and it would not have scared the hell out of our. All of our neighbors were calling each other and alot of the older people who live alone were just scared out of their minds.
By GooSe
November 23, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Well if the residents of Waco and surrounding communities were not so self envolved and paid attention to their surroundings they would have not been caught off guard like most of them seem to be. Space-X has been testing rockets out there for over a year or two now. Over the last year living in Speegleville I have had the pleasure of watching the nite sky glow on several occasions from Space-X testing their rocket engines. Some of the test are quieter than other but last night was the loudest and most visible testing.
Also KWTX has exclusive close up footage of the rocket and an interview w/ Space-X of the test, so the local media knew about it before hand. Maybe you should be b*** at the local media for not bringing it to your attention.
By Brittany
November 23, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
It’s amazing to think about it now. But at the time was rediculous, thought we were getting bombed. They should give everyone a warning not just McGregor. Scared us to death, it’s pretty bad when you call the police and they have NO CLUE whats going on…thank God for police scanners!!!!
By Kim
November 23, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
How difficult would it have been to notify the local television and radio stations? This could have been posted on air and people warned before it occurred. I cannot believe this is acceptable in a day and age where we have lived in fear of terrorist attacks. It is extremely difficult to calm a hysterical child who believes the world is blowing up.
By Hewiit, Resident
November 23, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I’m reposting from my first blog. I’m not annoyed by the rocket test anymore, It is exciting now that I know what it was and is. Great job SpaceX im glad the test was successful. Do as many as you want we wont mind no more.
By Baby
November 23, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I’m north of the Waco airport and I thought there was a horrible plane crash! I’m up on news and all, but there was no warning about this. If the local media knew, they should have made it more public. 10:30 p.m. is NOT the time to do your testing. Morons!
By Andrew
November 23, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
My apartment near downtown Waco is over 20 miles away from the SpaceX test site, and the rumble was loud enough to rattle my windows. Supposedly, this test was originally scheduled for Friday and announced in the McGregor paper. However, this test clearly impacted much more than the local McGregor area.
If SpaceX doesn’t have the common sense to anticipate and mitigate the negative PR created by performing a poorly publicized test at 10:30 at night, what other potentially dangerous mistakes is SpaceX making? Are they taking shortcuts caused by the same type of “Go Fever” that contributed to the Challenger disaster?
This event should be an indicator for every local, state, and federal government agency that has jurisdiction that it’s time to verify that SpaceX is complying with their own safety policies, as well as any applicable laws and regulations. The county should take action to ensure that the public has sufficient prior notice of any future test events.
The smug half-apology from SpaceX implying that the timing of the test was somehow out of their control is disconcerting. Also, I don’t appreciate a company telling me what I should or shouldn’t be excited about. I am excited about what SpaceX is doing, and happy it’s happening in Central Texas. However, right now I’m not very happy about how they’re going about it or their attitude. SpaceX missed a huge opportunity to gain the respect and admiration of their neighbors.
In general, SpaceX has done a terrible job publicizing their presence and activities in Central Texas. Most people in the area didn’t know that they’re testing rockets in McGregor. If they had done a better job publicizing and promoting this test, they would have had people lining the roads to watch it, cheering them on. Instead, they have angry neighbors cleaning up messes on their carpets caused by frightened pets. Realtime status of test time changes could have been easily provided with a website.
Also, I hope that SpaceX was lying when they stated that they were surprised that the test could be felt and heard much further away than McGregor. If it’s not a lie, then there are some questions about their competence. Anyone who has ever been around rocket or jet engine operations should know how heavily the weather impacts how far the operation can be felt and heard. Saturday’s weather was not unexpected.
I hope that SpaceX’s problems are with their PR department, not with the technical competency of the test team. If the local news didn’t think it was newsworthy, it’s the PR department’s job to change their mind. Either way, SpaceX’s leadership (not their PR person) needs to explain what happened, and apologize to their neighbors to start the process of earning back the public’s trust.
By Baby
November 23, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Seems SpaceX is not as alert and aware as they should be of their equipment. They didn’t know how powerful it was? I say pack it up and move to the desert for this crap, especially if you are clueless as to what you are doing!
By Joe
November 23, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Ok this rocket has been shaking us up for months we live about 4 miles from Mcgregor!!the test was/is not at the airport!!!!but at the old hercules plant. We see all kinds of lights flashing there every night??? weird moving lights and they fire some of those engines about every week but nothing like last night!!!!We watched in awe saying wow this is cool but being scared at the same time…do they have rockets scientist working there????There will probably be more comments on here in four or five days when people come back out of their bomb shelters!!!!!!WAKE UP SPACEX!!!!!
By Only Person in Waco with a Brain
November 23, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Reading most of these posts just confirms that Waco is full or low-life mindless scum. Yeah, I heard it. Walked outside, saw the light in the west, realized it was a SpaceX test, and went back inside. Its called a brain people……USE IT.
By Alexis
November 23, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Oh my gawd I thought we were getting hit by bombs! I looked outside and then i saw the whole sky lit up like the fourth of july!! My brother-in-law was standing on the fence and he thought this sonic wave would come from the bomb! But I didn’t know we had that type of company out here and we should be glad that our community can make that type of contribution. Go Space-X !!!!! I think we should all be notified so we can be prepared and watch!!!
By Jeremy
November 23, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I have to say, it was most entertaining to read all of your comments. Now everybody on the interwebs can share in your experience (this is a really cool thing!).
Sadly though, I think the nature of your comments will probably reinforce the Waco area’s negative reputation in the eyes of the rest of the nation. Amazing world we live in.
God Bless!
By BAM
November 23, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Too Cool! Made for an exciting 3 min. on a Saturday. Nice rumble and bright sky. Do it again soon. It was Awsome!
By 76708 Resident
November 23, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
It didn’t help those of us in North Waco that heard it, ran outside, and heard multiple sirens…we seriously had no idea. For all we knew, gas lines were rumbling and about to explode underground….and I agree with the one commenter about foundations of homes- wonder if that 177 second rumble just cracked it just enough to cause significant damage? Notice would have been nice (and not just for McGregor residents)
By Karen
November 23, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
What I find amusing is that they warned McGregor, but we’re just a few miles away. Surely someone should have known what a shuttle launch was like, that it lights up the night sky and rattles windows a good number of miles away. If the shuttle does that and they’re going to do a full burn on a rocket that generates thrust similar to the shuttle engines, then seems to me common sense would say it would be as noisy as a shuttle, and more people should be warned. And it’s also probably not something that should be done at 10:30 at night, when the elderly and the young and some of us normal folks should be in bed. Also common sense might tell someone that if you fire a rocket with a million pounds of thrust and keep it tied down, that thrust is going to go somewhere, namely into the ground to knock stuff off shelves and rattle everything close by — so maybe it shouldn’t be done near a populated area. It’s not as bad with the shuttle because the shuttle lifts off. Now if I’m wrong on any of this information, I will readily admit it. But I stand by my point that it should have been thought through a bit more.
By Jeremy
November 23, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I have to say, it was most entertaining to read all of your comments. Now everybody on the interwebs can share in your experience (this is a really cool thing!).
Sadly though, I think the nature of your comments will probably reinforce the Waco area’s negative reputation in the eyes of the rest of the nation. Amazing world we live in.
God Bless!
By Insulting people doesn't make you smart
November 23, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
This is specifically to “Only Person in Waco with a Brain.” Please. Good for you that you could walk outside and see something and figure it out. You get a cookie. I walked outside and couldn’t see anything, just felt the ground rumbling and the windows in my house and glasses in my cupboard were rattling. I worked in McGregor near SpaceX and have heard tests before, but only when I was in McGregor. It never would have crossed my mind that I would feel/hear it with such intensity in my home off Lake Shore. That doesn’t mean I’m stupid. So screw you and your smug attitude. I’m sure that will get you far in life.
By Ann
November 23, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET THE SOUND.
By RD
November 23, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Had just turned onto Wortham Bend road heading towards Waco and was able to see the whole thing from there. It appeared to be a big house fire. Kids in the car made some funny comments. One thought the woods were on fire, another was sure a bomb exploded and kept on and on about it, another thought a meteor had fallen out of the sky and hit the ground!
A humorous event after finding out what it was. What would hurt with a little better communications to show that there is at least some intelligence out there? Not perfect but at least a little better attempt or did they not really know what would occur as the impact of the test was quite amazing!
It is also humorous to picture the smug “know it all’s” who think people around here are so dumb as they are not so godlike as they to have already foreknown what was happening. But you always have those who pretend to be higher than everyone else. I’ve not laughed harder all year!
By Matt
November 23, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I would like to have notification for one reason only, not so I’m prepared in my bomb shelter with a gas mask on as most of the posters would have obviously liked. I would like to be notified so I can watch. I have a direct line of sight from my driveway and that would be awesome to take my kids out and see it. They notified only McGregor due to the fact that they test these rockets all the time without any notice or mention and probably didn’t expect such an ignorant uproar from the community.
As for all the angry posters; get over it folks. Space X is a new and fascinating part of the Central Texas community that we should be proud of. The people that are all out of whack here represent the typical Central Texas NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) mindset. They want to reap the rewards of any technology as long as said technology is not in their backyard.
The fact that something of this magnitude is happening right in our neighborhood should be a bragging rite, not something to whine about.
By Cecil 1
November 23, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Sounds like dumb and dumber, those engines are usually tested in a place far, far away , or in a building specially designed for that type of test, NOT IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, I have no problem with high tech. I was trained in the field, of high tech. I do, however have a problem with these people that do not think of their neighbors. Should that engine explode it would rain metal for a hell of a long way..
By Sam
November 23, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I live 4 miles from the test site. I will be very surprised if some of the near by residents don’t have damage to their foundations. I have been awakened many times by these tests, but none that lasted more than a few seconds. I was extremely concerned that there had been a serious mishap. I could smell that fuel and then a mist in the air. I had friends from Gatesville calling to find out what was happening. The Gatesville PD couldn’t give them an answer and I’m sure every PD in the area was flooded with calls. SpaceX should have notified athorities and the public in all surrounding communities. I’m now concerned about the competence of the employees of SpaceX, due to the fact that they were not aware that firing 9 engines for 177 seconds would shake communities surrounding the McGregor area. We’re glad you’re here SpaceX, but you showed little concern for the citizens that were affected by this event and probably lost the trust we all had in your company. Lessons Learned!!!
By James
November 23, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I am on the border of Lorena and Hewitt. This is not the first time I have heard the rumbling sound but it is the first time for the glow. Friday night I saw three short bursts of light in that direction followed by about a 5 second rumble. Normally the rumble comes during the afternoons and I attributed it to F-16s lighting the afterburners since we are not too far from Kileen.
By JD
November 23, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Amazing to hear from idiots who gripe about our climate changes and whats going on with are artic because of man, and then try and defend a company sending tons of chemicals in the air polluting our environment. NASA publishes with CNN and all the major networks before they launch a space shuttle. This self centered money making company didn’t do that. What they should be doing now is hiring competent people that can formulate how much damage can actually happen because you don’t know the unknow. Tests of this magnitude are conducted in deserts for a reason. I worked for the Gov’t for 35 years and have personally witnessed several of these test, but never in residential negihborhoods. There was one exception, we did when I was in Vietnam and Iraq. That was the place for it.
By Sandra
November 23, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I am so angry at SpaceX! My children and I were very scared. How dare them conduct this test without letting us know! We live across from the McGregor Airport and our entire house shook and trembled. The sky was on fire. My 11-year-old son said he “thought the sun was exploding.” I grabbed a jug of apple juice and made my kids go into my closet fearing the worse. We were not at all warned. We do not read the McGregor newspaper, we read the Waco Tribune Herald. Next time tell all newspapers, TV and radio and go door to door with flyers announcing your tests SpaceX!
By roman
November 23, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Thanks for telling us! with everything going on in the world and country at this time i thought the world was ending!
By John
November 23, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Why wouldn’t you warn us??? Why would you do this so close to our homes?
How awful.
By Robin
November 23, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I personally think the company needs to be held responsible for ANY damages that this has caused. Family homes that their foundations were shook. Emotional destress………The news broke into programing to ALERT us of WHAT happened; The company should of had the new come on and ALERT us of WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. Doesn’t make sense this was planned and scheduled. Bull. They are just trying to cover themselves. My boy’s were out camping along the river; about 14 boy’s and 14 dads…..the kids were terrified and crying. I thought the world was ending and I was not with my family. Had we been warned, this would of saved alot of grief and worry. Again, someone is just covering their butts……….As my mom always taught me, it will all come out in the wash!!!!
By Michele in Harris Creek
November 23, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Where have all you people been hiding? Space X has been conducting tests in McGregor for years. That was the sound of progress, the sound of American (not Chinese, not Russian)ingenuity, that was the sound of jobs and revenue for the Waco area. It was music to my ears. Congratulations on a successful test, it was an awesome sight!!!
By JH in Woodway
November 23, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Hey, let’s quit complaining and be excited about something great happening in our area!!! :-)
By spud305
November 23, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Situations like this and their ensuing comments really confirm the lack of education and intelligence that is reported everytime a census is taken in McClennan county. Only in Waco would people go into apoplexy over something that could prove to provide economic stimulus outside of chain restaurants.
By G Whiz
November 23, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
The pretentious douches commenting on here do not seem to understand. We “ignorant complainers” are proud of SpaceX’s achievements, just taken aback at the lack of communication with the citizens. I had never even heard of SpaceX until last night when what I believed was a nearby plane crash frightened me. ( I suppose that makes me an uninvolved citizen, as I am more concerned with worldwide issues, not Central Texas events.) I am seventeen years old and was alone in my house when this took place, I took necessary precaution by making sure my pets were safe inside in case it was something dangerous. Call me paranoid, but the people were not informed. Call me ignorant, but I think you’re ignorant if you cannot realize that we are frustrated by the unnecessary startle. You would have been confused and frightened too if you were completely oblivious to the situation. I would have happily enjoyed the light show had I not been so shaken.
Congratulations, SpaceX, but please…a little more effort on warning the surrounding areas beforehand.
By Professionalism?
November 23, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I certainly understand that there is no reason to be upset by a rocket test. However, giving fair warning that something as momentous as this is going to occur outside of a 5 mile radius in the middle of the friggin night is probably a little wise. SpaceX is a commercial venture and should be cognizant of it’s public image. Antagonizing the surround residents doesn’t do anything other than cause problems. My experience was a little different. I’ve recently retired from the Navy and when I heard the thunder, I figured it was (a) a rocket engine, (b) an earthquake or (c) some sort of munitions explotion at Ft. Hood. I wasn’t all that alarmed, but my wife was upset and demanded that I change the channel to determine the cause of the incident. I was also requested to contact the local police to determine the cause of the thunder/quaking, which I did and calmy informed my wife, and her 81 year old mother in Robinson, that it was only a test. Unfortunately, my wife and I were in the middle of a rather risque romantic interlude. You see, we have a precocious two year old child, and romantic interludes, at this point in our lives, come at a premium. I would appreciate it if Spacex would exercise some discretion in the future and notify those not located directly in their back yard that they’re going to light up the midnight sky and shake the fondation of houses 15-30 miles away.
By Jeff
November 23, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Go SpaceX!
Dear Texans, sorry that you were startled, and I’m sure SpaceX will be more careful in the future. But you should be excited, this company is going to be the Google of space!
Just wait until they start testing the Falcon 9 Heavy. Not 9 rockets at once, but TWENTY SEVEN!
I might just fly down there to see that one. =)
By Jeremy
November 23, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I am sure SpaceX put out notice to the media since it is not hard to do and is a regular task for communications professionals. The reality is that there is nothing SpaceX can do if the local media decides not to carry the message to the people. They don’t control the media.
I would guess the local media probably dropped the ball here, but they would never admit to it. It makes for a more interesting story if people are surprised and frightened by the test.
I think it is obvious to most of us that SpaceX has nothing to gain from surprising or frightening the neighbors.
By Scott
November 23, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
This was insane! Are you SpaceX cretins just burdened with more money than brains? What type management wouldn’t do the research to know how far the lights, sound and fallout would reach! And the mist - what was in those drops?!?! Was it a “Hold my beer and watch this!” moment? So, it was tied down? Ask any calf roper how many times that tied-down calf has broken loose! An explosion fueled by that much power would have done unbelievable damage! Geez, if I’d wanted to live near a launch site, I would have built in Florida, not central Texas. No one knew if it was a terrorist attack on Crawford or Fort Hood or if the prisons had blown up in Gatesville! And, don’t put that twit on video telling us to be excited and that they ‘had to go’ no matter what time it was! How incredibly haughty! Pompous! Arrogant! You were admittedly 24 hours late! A great percentage of those effected live outside the area of your puny warnings! Put a lid on it until you’ve notified EVERYONE who could possibly experience it! Better yet, take your tests to an area better suited to this type test - like Afghanistan! This isn’t the Sahara! Kids, animals and the elderly were scared - and the rest of us didn’t like it either! I hope you have to repair every foundation within a 30 mile radius! I’ve heard you’re a good neighbor because of picnics and backpacks - I don’t want a backpack and I can do my own picnics. Good neighbors don’t invade others space with obnoxious surprises late at night! Even movie sets have to qualify and be granted permission before shooting a controlled and contained explosion scene! It’s illegal to yell ‘Fire’ in a theater, but you think it’s fine to pull a stunt like this?!?!? If you want to be a good neighbor, don’t do that crap again - with or without a warning!
By Charles
November 23, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
It would have been great to know ahead of time about the test, but it was kinda wrong for them not to notify the surrounding areas. I am a Iraq combat veteran and I have heard all kinds of explosions and I thought someone had set off a bomb on Bush’s ranch. Talk about severe flash backs thanks to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
By No Name
November 23, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Everyone needs to stop complaining because they did not give them notice. If you have any commonsense you would have realized that the rumbles you have heard within the past month and this one sound the same and if you know anything about Waco you should have known that there was a company that manufactured rocket engines. Stop complaining and stop worrying, in REAL life you don’t get warnings for everything. And if we where being attacked you can guarantee that it would be instantly on the news or some other form of communication. This is a great company that gives a lot of well paying jobs to residents in the greater Waco area. Also they can not give you a precise time when this is going to happen because they don’t know when they will be done and when it will start.
By Andrew
November 23, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I’m glad SpaceX is doing this work in Central Texas. I hope they are doing things smartly and safely so they can keep doing that work here for a long time. In my opinion the way they failed the PR aspect of last night’s test and the follow-on statements from their PR people put that in doubt.
How a company handles PR is an important part of doing things smartly. It’s about being a good neighbor, and earning the public’s trust.
I hope they do a better job of publicizing the Falcon Heavy test so everyone can watch!
By laughing in exile
November 23, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
LOL AT you.
Only in Waco.
By Dan
November 23, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
The rocket fuel they use is KEROSENE, just like JET FUEL. nothing to get all upset about the exhaust of.
This country needs progressive inventive companies, people need to stop being so anti-intellectual if you want to have a job or even civilization in the future. You’re going to have to take some risks in this world, and that involves being startled now and then by the unexpected. If you think going to the mall and getting pregnant is all the risk that you can handle, then you need to find a nice pacifier to suck on and shut up so the entrepreneurs and scientists can keep this civilization and species moving forward. And while you’re sucking on your safe, phthalate-free pacifier, please limit yourself to popping out no more than one child, we need less of your kind, not more. I hear non-hormonal IUD’s are a great form of birth control with few side effects.
By Ucho Cinco
November 23, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I live in HV and my house is about 7oo yards or less away from the McGregor Airport and i was watching the Tech OU game and my chandiler started shaking and my doors were shaking also it happens every thursday but not as big. so it is nothing to worrie about. CHILL OUT PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was cool and me and my friend went outside to play football while the light of it was bright!!!!!
By Ucho Cinco
November 23, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Some of you people are idiots. It was just a TEST!!!! They have small ones like that every thursday quit freaking out. If you dont like it too bad. MOve or somthing
By Bill
November 23, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
This is what happens when you elect Obama.
By ha ha ha
November 23, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
We know it was a test, dumba—. We are FINE with that. We JUST WANT A FAIR WARNING. You have no business calling people idiots, you can’t even spell.
By Waco native
November 23, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
With Saturday’s “test”, SpaceX has blown it as far as their credibility and PR is concerned. They owe all residents of our area a thorough explanation and apology for this careless incident. I have lived through training noise from Ft. Hood, the drone of post WWII B-36 flyovers, jet engines from JCABF, railroads near my home, medivac helicopters, the various aircraft associated with the Crawford Ranch, but never such noise as last night. I recall Rockdyne tests at the old Bluebonnet Naval Ordinance Plant outside of McGregor years ago. Until Saturday night, I was unaware of rocket testing in that area. Posting notices at the high school is an example of complete stupidity and gross negligence from SpaceX. Obviously, this organization is incapable of running a reliable operation.
By Waco native
November 23, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Hey Spud Before you make a judgement on the intelligence of we who reside in McLennan County, you might check your own spelling. “People who live in glass houses…..”
By Ron
November 23, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Hey Dan, How misinformed are you? Rocket fuel IS NOT kerosene. Jet engine fuel IS a high grade of kerosene. Google “rocket fuel” and at least educate youself.
By Springfield, Il native
November 23, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
You people are idiots. SpaceX did notified the community; you just chose to ignore the news!! Perhaps SpaceX should move to Springfield, IL - we would be very happy to have a real industry in our town!!
By Ron
November 23, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Dan, Rocket fuel IS NOT kerosene. Google “rocket fuel” and get an education. Jet fuel (JP4,JP7) IS a high grade kerosene.
By billtex
November 23, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Charles, thank you for your service. Sorry about the PTS flashback.
I’m a vet, too (ODS). Air Force. Used to work on jets, so I know what 20,000 lbs of thrust in afterburner sounds like. This test reminded me of that, but longer, and stronger. I didn’t know about SpaceX until today, reading the article in the paper.
I must admit though, when I stepped out on the porch to have a listen here in Waco, I kept expecting to see a UFO drop through the clouds, ala Independance Day, ha-ha.
Pretty cool to have a company around here like that.
By DR
November 23, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Conducting this test without warning the public was unconscionable, especially in the “climate” these days. We live 10-15 miles away and saw no visual effects but the rumbling was loud and clear. Coincidentally a train that runs several miles from us (but very rarely heard)was passing at the time and we could faintly hear the whistle amongst the noise. We didn’t know whether it was an earthquake, bomb, or runaway train coming toward us. Thanks for being such uncaring and thoughtless corporate neighbors!
By Sweet!
November 23, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Go McGregor! Go SpaceX!
The media knew all about it. They filmed it! SpaceX can only do so much to warn people. It was in the McGregor Mirror and most people in town knew. I live about a mile from SpaceX and it was loud but it wasn’t as bad or as scary as people claim. Everyone around here knew (or should’ve known) it was SpaceX.
VERY COOL!
By Riesel
November 23, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Given the results of the presidential election, we had no idea what was happening. We felt it in Riesel. We just went to sleep and hoped that if it was bad, it would be quick. Since the Riesel P.D. decided it would be fun to run lights and sirens and shoot it up at the firing range behind our house about an hour earlier, we were a bit uneasy. You never know what they might blow up. Personally we think it is very cool, but would appreciate a little advance warning. It would help the nerves a bit, plus, we would have really enjoyed watching the sky light up.
By cc
November 23, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
wow, i’m really taken aback by how mean-spirited some are being! is it really not okay for someone to say “we wish we’d been warned”? does that really deserve such rude retorts in return? just b/c someone doesn’t know spacex is in mcgregor doesn’t mean they’re a dumb*. most of us don’t live in mcgregor in case you hadn’t noticed. get a grip; it’s not so hard to state your opinion in a kind way!
By Wow
November 23, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
It’s obvious by reading some of the posts here that this was one of the most exciting things to happen in your lives for quite some time now. For those of you that hid in your closet, were reminded of wars past, or were afraid of “toxic fumes” that didn’t exist…You seriously need to get a life. So you weren’t warned of the test—so freakin’ what? Is it really their responsibility to warn you of a loud noise? If you go to a haunted house, do you expect the workers to warn you prior to saying “Boo”? And to the idiots saying that there trailer was shaken off the foundation—get a life. Your home has wheels, so if anything, it would have rolled a few inches. None of which happened, you’re just looking for something to gripe about. Everything is fine now—you made it through the “horrific” event. Now go complain elsewhere about something else.
By bubby
November 23, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I just watched a video of the test. Sounded like a large jet engine being tested. Not sure how anyone could confuse a 3+ minute sound of thrust with a bomb, plane crash, earthquake, etc. I find it funny that people are indignant with the company- perhaps SpaceX just thought that the people in the area were rational. Seems like they made a mistake. Next time, I’m sure that they will assume that everyone is ignorant and paranoid, and will go around knocking on doors to assure them that noise is not an alien landing or chemical weapon. If I mistook this test for a bomb, I would be embarrased, not indignant.
By Lorena homeowner
November 23, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Bubby-
How close were you to the test? I was about 8 miles aways and it scared the hell out of me! It was not just a loud noise, there was a bright orange fireball in the sky. If you do not know what is happening you will automatically assume the worse. I have no problem with this company testing, just let me know next time! I truly thought it was a plane crash and many people had died. With no information, what else would I have thought?
By Stephen
November 23, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Wow..Just observing the numerous misspelled words in your posts makes me realize why you idiots thought that the aliens were coming!
By Commom Sense?
November 23, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I have never laughed so much all year!!!!! It’s good to be able to laugh after the event. Some blogs are stated so humerously while some are hostile and others just down right mean! I’ve lived near Chapel Rd. in the Lorena area for over 7 years and lived in Central Texas all my life and never heard or felt anything like last night. I’ve heard and felt Ft. Hood many times, my Uncle worked for Rocketdyne for over 30 years and retired from there, I’ve been out to Space-X and I know what they do. However, since Space-X has been in McGregor, I’ve never heard or felt them like last night so I did not know it was them for sure until the event was over. The only thing that felt similar to me was when I was with my family visiting my Uncle in San Diego, CA in the early 1970’s and there was an earthquake early one morning that woke me up. Last night I wondered all the same things many have mentioned in this blog. One thing no one has mentioned was the loud boom many heard over Central Texas several years ago early in the morning. That boom turned out to be the space shuttle entering our atmosphere breaking the sound barrier and exploding over South Eastern Texas. Later that morning I found out that the boom that had awoken me killed everyone aboard the shuttle. Very very sad!!! So for those that think they are so much more intelligent than others, you are just showing how ignorant you really can be. If you recall, the USA is a land of freedom of speech. How you use that speech tells a lot about you. I agree that Central Texans should have been notified by the Media through Waco Trib and/or Local TV News Stations PRIOR to the testing. However, at this point it is not clear whether the failure was on the part of Space-X or the Media or Both. Most Central Texans are not griping about Space-X, just that they would liked to have been notified prior to the testing because the event scared a lot of people. It doesn’t matter if people knew about Space-X being in McGregor or not. Even if people did know about Space-X they may not have associated it with last night’s event because Space-X has NEVER conducted that large of a test since they have located to McGregor. We as humans have a fear of the unknown which is normal and natural. I was scared last night and as I said before, numerous thoughts flashed through my mind from thunderstorm quickly shifting to plane crash, explosion, Ft.Hood practice, terrorist attack, earthquake, Space-X testing or something gone wrong out there. I could just imagine a large explosion out at Space-X and people being hurt or killed like back when the space shuttle blew apart over East Texas. I was not only scared for myself but for my fellowman. I’m sure a lot of other Central Texans had concerns not only for themselves but for others they didn’t even know as well. I’m sure that Space-X and the Waco Media have gotten the MESSAGE by all the Feedback from Central Texans and WE WILL be gloriously notified in the future.
By relativity
November 23, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Oh for heaven’s sake. I live in Harris Creek, just across the street from the testing site, and it was no big deal. A few things rattled on the bookcases, the dogs barked a bit, but no sedatives or adult beverages were required. It was pretty cheap entertainment for a Friday night in Central Texas.
By relativity
November 23, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I meant to say Saturday night. It’s so fast-paced out here I often lose track of time.
By Common Sense?
November 23, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
See latest news release above under Latests posts on Waco NOW: SpaceX issues statement on concerns caused by Saturday night’s test.
By DocM
November 23, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I see two problems;
poor notification by the public media and officials. Signs in front of the high school and local watering holes don’t cut it.
a relatively large number of folks who have 500 channels and rarely tune to their local news.
Neither is the fault of SpaceX, but then some would still hold them at fault even if they sent poster-sized notices to every residence and dog house within 50 miles.
By Crazy People
November 23, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I guess most people don’t read the paper or watch the news… I do believe they had an area wide invite to a BBQ out at SpaceX. First to show everyone what was out there and next to tell them sorry we make all that noise :)
I think it’s AWESOME we have something like that in the Waco area. GO SPACEX!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Michael
November 23, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I live right down the rode..it was crazy..I had no idea what was going on, my house just started shaking like crazy. At first I figured it was probably the rocket testing since it happens a lot but this one was longer than normal and the sky was all red.
By Cathy
November 23, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I was in the theater watching a movie when it all happened, but I wish I had known because it would’ve been incredible to not only see, but also feel the power exerted. It would be similar to a space shuttle launch I’m sure. Too bad it didn’t cut loose from the concrete and land on Fred.
By UncleSam
November 24, 2008 2:58 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
* Folks *
Rocket engines are loud. Nine rocket engines are even louder.
Your foundations didn’t shake. The sound rattled your windows and doors and walls. If you haven’t lived through a large earthquake don’t evoke it as a comparison. The two events are completely different.
So that you’re not confused in the future, rocket engines and explosions do not sound the same. You don’t need to hide. You don’t need to cower in fear for your children. Aliens are not landing. Chemical weapons are SILENT. In no way would it be possible for the company to notify every person within 50 miles. In the end you are responsible for yourself and knowing what is going on in your community.
Consider yourself fortunate that you where able to experience something very few people get to. Some people drove across the US to watch the test. In the 60’s Rocketdyne was testing much larger engines. A single engine from the rocket that took us to the moon is almost twice as powerful and loud as all nine of those engines you heard.
Now image what it sounded like when they tested the Saturn V with all five engines running. That rumble you hear is the sound of your country advancing the tools that are needed in our modern world. It’s tax dollars into your community.
Vehicles like the one being developed by spacex will likely be used when NASA retires the LOUD and dangerous space shuttle. Or would you rather stop the progress and have another seven astronauts burn up over your state.
What happened to that Texas motto.
By Rich
November 24, 2008 6:26 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Fair is fair, you should have been notified but alas, too few of you are practical enough to acknowledge that maybe, just maybe, your local press have failed you, rather than the company who notified them. Some of them were filming the test, right? Using something possibly yet to be discovered by many of you - a strange neurological force called “logic”, you can then conclude that they knew about the test prior and made no effort to acknowledge the case.
Even more priceless, that several of the more morose characters posting here have attempted to lay blame on an administration not yet sworn in. Funny joke.
By Randy
November 24, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I wonder what kind of pollution and hazardous chemicals are being unleashed by SpaceX? I remember my dad telling me that the ground water in McGregor was full of radioactive stuff from the Rocketdine days…
By Randy
November 24, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I wonder what kind of pollution and hazardous chemicals are being unleashed by SpaceX? I remember my dad telling me that the ground water in McGregor was full of radioactive stuff from the Rocketdine days…
By Randy
November 24, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I wonder what kind of pollution and hazardous chemicals are being unleashed by SpaceX? I remember my dad telling me that the ground water in McGregor was full of radioactive stuff from the Rocketdine days…
By true southern girl
November 24, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Some people are just so crazy. It’s amazed at how much histeria can be caused by complete ignorance! Look, I will admit I was scared just like the rest of you, but I’m sure there was a good reason that the entire public wasn’t made aware of the testing. Um…maybe it had some small factor to do with security…I don’t know. But, I do know that I am proud of, and amazed by this technology. And people want to gripe about pollution…oops, guess we better not try to ever launch another rocket into space…it pollutes! wth? lol…everything has their trade-offs! Come on Texans…toughen up!
By true southern girl
November 24, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Some people are just so crazy. It’s amazed at how much histeria can be caused by complete ignorance! Look, I will admit I was scared just like the rest of you, but I’m sure there was a good reason that the entire public wasn’t made aware of the testing. Um…maybe it had some small factor to do with security…I don’t know. But, I do know that I am proud of, and amazed by this technology. And people want to gripe about pollution…oops, guess we better not try to ever launch another rocket into space…it pollutes! wth? lol…everything has their trade-offs! Come on Texans…toughen up!
By Craig
November 24, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Concerned is one thing, but thinking being afraid it’s an attack or a nuclear explosion?
You Texans watch Fox News too much… you’re the fearful and delusional crowd they cater to.
By John
November 24, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
You people do realize that SpaceX did a press release about this days before it was scheduled to happen? Blame your local media for not informing YOU.
By Etc
November 24, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
To the guy who says kerosene isn’t rocket fuel, this is straight from Spacex:
“Falcon 1 is a two stage rocket powered by liquid oxygen enriched rocket-grade kerosene…”
I used to live in Texas. Two things I learned about Texans - the men are immature cowards who cover it up with bluster… and the people are not only ignorant, they’re fiercely proud of their ignorance… and they think that you win an argument by shouting louder or threatening violence rather than by being correct.
You never tell a Texan that he’s wrong when he’s wrong… it’s not only dangerous, it’s a full-time job.
By Jeremy
November 24, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Good god, people. I don’t think that you would be satisfied whether you got more warning or not. If they had got it in all the papers and door-to-door notices, there’d probably still be people here complaining that they didn’t hire a tow plane with a SpaceX rocket test banner on it and called everyone on the telephone to ask “Is it ok with you, we’re going to fire up the rocket now..”. I’m astonished at the crazy fearful reactions from people, like hiding the kids in the closet and praying underneath the bed.. Astonished. Grow a brain and some local awareness. Turn off the TV and quit letting it fill you with cockamamie ideas about the sky falling so we don’t have to come scrape you off the ceiling every time this happens.
By enoon
November 24, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Dear Waco-area residents: What you heard was the sound of the future, rushing toward you with 1.5 million pounds of thrust. Welcome to the 21st Century. Yeh-haw!
By Paul
November 24, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
So much for the stereotypical tough Texan. What a bunch of whiny babies.
By Fred
November 24, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Dear Waco Residents: Rest easy. Nobody attacks Podunk. Your cattle are safe.
By Bob
November 24, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Fred, are you kidding? If China had UFOs, our prized cattle are the first thing they would go after.
By Robert
November 24, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast. Almost 50 years to the date. Same reaction from the tough Texan crowd.
By Carrie
November 24, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I was woken up by the rumbling. It scared the crap out of me and my husband and I lay there in bed trying to figure out what it was. It wasn’t until we saw the news last night that we finally figured it out.
I’m excited the company is here in our community, but I do wish I had known beforehand about it. It’s easy to look back and say “you should have known it wasn’t an atomic bomb/ufo/earthquake/derailed train”, but in the heat of the moment when it unexpectedly rumbles and rattles your house, it’s very scary, especially if you are still half-asleep. I don’t think that makes me ignorant or stupid.
By Math
November 24, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Robert, it’s not “almost” 1988.
By Chris
November 24, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
And I thought this was the land of the brave.
SpaceX is one of the few good things going on in this country right now. But perhaps we should export that future industry too since they occasionally make some noise. Oh - and some smoke (go look up the fuel/oxidant combinations they use - and then look at what your cars and heating systems use).
Sheesh.
By Tehrasha
November 24, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Even if SpaceX had announced it on all the local radio and TV stations and mailed flyers to eveyone, they would still have missed people.
I wonder how many of the people that complained about not being warned, are going to be complaining in Feburary when TV all goes to digital?
And since when did 911 become the default information source for confused people? 911 is for reporting emergencies, not for finding out if you are in one.
By TJ
November 24, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I hope they launch twenty more rockets, and I hope they do it right in your backyard, so close you can smell the fuel mixture. Go get’em SpaceX. You’re the greatest one fingered gesture to terrorism this nation has.
You complainers are ruining the future for the rest of us.
Texas, the “WAAAH! THE FUTURE IS TOO LOUD!” state.
By FIREWALL
November 25, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
DUMBA$$ HILLBILLYS CAN’T READ. THE WARNING WAS POSTED IN FRONT OF YOUR SCHOOL AND IN THE PAPER AND NEWS. LEARN TO READ MORONS
By Not a Texan
November 25, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
WHat a bunch of silly a** pansies. If you’d pull your head out of your butt and have some situational awareness, then maybe, just maybe you’d have a clue as to life around you. What a bunch of crackpots and I’m glad to say that I’m glad that I live nowhere near you dumb @sses.
By Jerry Gargiglio from Jersey
November 25, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
You Texans need to learn to spell!
By LMAO Dan
November 25, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
There is some funny stories on here! I would have liked to have known about it, I would have driven out to Watch and Feel it closer, and cheered!! Instead of wondering what was happening. Some PR outside of McGregor would have gone ALONG WAY!!
The Last Three Posters Can Kiss Our A$$!!!
By cbfuzzyface
November 26, 2008 4:51 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
This collection of emotional reactions suggests folks in the Waco area really don’t value an employer who actually runs a business. Complain some more, folks, and you won’t have employers to worry about. Here in Oregon, with cities and towns full of unemployed and homeless, we would dearly love to have an employer like that. Count your blessings and hold your emotions down. There are calm sensible ways to express your concerns about the test without such insults. Don’t watch so many soap operas, or take another prozac. SpaceX is the type of American company all areas need. Compliment them on their success, then make your reasonable requests. You do seem to have a point about the noise that late, so communicate! Wish I could have been there. From Oregon.
By cbfuzzyface
November 26, 2008 4:56 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
This collection of emotional reactions suggests folks in the Waco area really don’t value an employer who actually runs a business. Complain some more, folks, and you won’t have employers to worry about. Here in Oregon, with cities and towns full of unemployed and homeless, we would dearly love to have an employer like that. Count your blessings and hold your emotions down. There are calm sensible ways to express your concerns about the test without such insults. Don’t watch so many soap operas, or take another prozac. SpaceX is the type of American company all areas need. Compliment them on their success, then make your reasonable requests. You do seem to have a point about the noise that late, so communicate! Wish I could have been there. From Oregon.
By Kuba
November 28, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
To everyone who thought it was a nuclear attack: unless you’re very far away, those don’t last “long” at all. Read some stories from survivors of Hiroshima/Nagasaki: people whom your ancestors’ voted into office authorized those, right? Might be useful to learn from that!
If there was a contemporary (thermonuclear) rocket-delivered attack within 20 miles from you, the flash would have made you blind (at least temporarily), and the shock wave would have killed you very, very soon thereafter. If it (the light, etc) lasts long enough for you to give it a “serious” thought, it’s conventional :)
By Paul
November 28, 2008 2:19 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Hey, it’s Waco. The town that spawned the Branch Davidians (yeah the FBI overstepped common sense with tragic results, but that doesn’t mean those people weren’t religious yahoos).
So the people who are still angry at SpaceX after it’s clear that it’s the media who screwed up because it wasn’t “newsworthy” enough to report on?
I think what’s really bugging them is that they are still disappointed that it wasn’t the End Times and that they were not caught up in the rapture. Thinking “It’s time! Hallelujah!” and then feeling like an idiot when it isn’t is going to leave you set up for a lot of cognitive dissonance and a need to find somebody to whom to transfer your anger at your own idiocy. SpaceX is a better scapegoat as an anonymous corporation instead of their well-trusted news talking heads.
By jack-in waco
December 24, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Do it again-soon
By skelsReeptvem
August 30, 2009 7:23 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
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September 17, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
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