From: snidely.too@gmail.com   
      
   JF Mezei formulated the question :   
   > Can anyone provide me a short explanation of the backrgound of SpaceX   
   > launching a Dragon with a few people in it for a few days?  Is someone   
   > paying for this or is SpaceX running the flight using used stage 1 and   
   > dragon out of its own petty cash?   
   >   
   >   
   > Just wondering if this is a PR stunt or a bona fide commercial flight   
   > with someone paying for it?   
   >   
   >   
   > If this is a PR stunt paid by SpaceX, it has one HUGE message: SpaceX   
   > has lowered costs down to a point where it can afford to launch on its own.   
      
   It is well documented what this flight is.  The commander of the   
   mission is paying for the flight, but it is also being used as a   
   fundraiser for St Judes Hospital.  The mission specialist was chosen   
   from those making significant donations to St Judes in the period after   
   the flight was announced.  The mission health officer was chosen as a   
   former St Judes patient who now works for St Judes.  The pilot was   
   chosen for representing entreprenurial spirit, but also has piloting   
   cred.   
      
   /dps   
      
   --   
   But happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue. One must have a reason   
   to 'be happy.'"   
     Viktor Frankl   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)