[jakub_h]

Falcon already delivered DSCOVR to Sun-Earth L1, while PSLV only flew MOM to a highly elliptical Earth orbit and MOM had to use its own propulsion for TMI.

[lukealization]

Sun-Earth L1, while not in Earth's orbit, is still within the Earth's Sphere Of Influence as it has a negative Characteristic Energy value.

[swatkat]

>> Falcon already delivered DSCOVR to Sun-Earth L1, while PSLV only flew MOM to a highly elliptical Earth orbit and MOM had to use its own propulsion for TMI.

Wait till PSLV delivers Aditya-1[1][2] to L1.

[1] http://www.isro.gov.in/aditya-l1-first-indian-mission-to-stu...

[2] http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/aditya-1.htm

[greglindahl]

Cite?

[kchoudhu]

I don't object to the respondent: it's true, SpaceX has broken out of earth orbit -- but that's still a far cry from deploying to Mars.

My point stands: SpaceX needs to get to Mars once before we can start calling them serious interplanetary contenders.

[greglindahl]

I'm not sure why it's important to debate whether or not a company is a "serious interplanetary contender", but I do think it's important to get the facts correct.