http://lowres.cartoonstock.com/anima...080602_low.jpg or...http://lowres.cartoonstock.com/envir...whn586_low.jpg :woot:

The simple fact is that rocket launch failures happen, even with generally well rated engines, and there are always kinks when it comes to designing and using a new launcher, such as unanticipated pogo effects or problems with the piping. Considering it had 3 prior successful missions in space, it is doing pretty good (the Falcon-1 for example had 3 failures to 2 successes)

As for the NK-33. They are generally considered to be a very good engine design with great specific impulse. They themselves were not the reason why the N-1 project was such a colossal failure, it had to do with the clustered design.

You would really base an employment decision based on this one incident?

Orbital is quite successful in most of the stuff they are doing. If I wanted to get into the purely civilian market, Orbital would be one of the first I would send my resume to.

I hate to break the news to everyone but we really need to get these astronauts resupplied soon. This set back could lead to a major international incident if they start battling over the last roll of toilet paper.

Fortunately, they have plenty up there to last them.