HN user
SSNs are entirely insecure as mentioned earlier in this thread. Geographic prefixes are a drop in the bucket on that front.
The post that I replied to is almost entirely incorrect as it relates to available SSN “keyspace” (misnomer), uniqueness, etc.—-for which geographic prefixes and group numbers are relevant.
I supplied direct sources, so no idea what your “even if what you say were true” skepticism is rooted in.
SSNs have not been issued with a geographic prefix in a decade. I'm not sure if you're really suggesting two different individuals are issued the same SSN, but no, they never are. SSNs are never reused.
https://www.ssa.gov/employer/randomization.html https://www.ssa.gov/employer/randomizationfaqs.html
A large NRO spy sat of some sort.
ULA lobbied to ban them from a launch site (at Vandenberg) that was nearby their own, which had a very expensive rocket and very, very expensive payload on it, claiming that a SpaceX rocket launch would be too dangerous. Forced them to launch from Kwajalein Atoll, which made things much harder. Probably contributed to at least one failure, thanks to the corrosive, salty atmosphere.
Edit: Not unfair to assume that it was motivated by anti-competitive interests before any real concern about possible effects on their pad.
It's poorly-defined, but includes a wide array of reviews, audits, inspections, etc.
See PDF page 17 of http://www.gao.gov/assets/520/511460.pdf
Musk estimates that Air Force "mission assurance" requirements would cost $30 million, hence a $90 million ("under $100 million") price-tag.
All Atlas V first-stage engines (RD-180) are manufactured in Russia. That the second stage engines are made in the US doesn't change the fact that you're dependent on Russian supply.
In response to your edits:
but they can't get more flights because of their record
The Air Force required 3 successful flights in the exact configuration the Air Force would fly. SpaceX provided the "record" as stipulated by the Air Force, which nevertheless committed to a large block-buy contract with ULA. By the Air Force's own standards, the billion-dollar subsidy is not necessary for their needs-to-get-to-space payloads.
Also, "the other companies" is just a single supplier, ULA.
The "confirm flight computer is not in start-up" call is part of the vehicle safing process after an abort or hold is called. It is heard immediately after any hold or abort during the terminal count. This does not indicate the cause of the abort.
Geosynchronous is nowhere near 1/4 distance to the moon. This sat is temporarily going to a highly eccentric transfer orbit on its way to GEO.
Actually, it wasn't.
"While the AUMF did not officially declare war, the legislation provided the President with more authority upon which to exercise his constitutional powers as Commander in Chief."