Fri, Sep 11, 2009
More Work For The SpaceX Falcon 1e
Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and Astrium, a
division of EADS, announce a contract for a SpaceX Falcon 1e to
launch an Earth observation satellite designed by Astrium for its
recently acquired subsidiary Surrey Satellite Technology
(SSTL).
The Falcon 1e is an ‘enhanced’ version of SpaceX's
successful Falcon 1 launch vehicle. Designed from the ground up by
SpaceX, the Falcon 1e has upgraded propulsion, structures and
avionics systems in order to further improve reliability and bring
to market increased mass-to-orbit capability to better serve the
needs of the small satellite community.
Astrium and SSTL provide a range of innovative, cutting edge
Earth Observation satellite products and through this agreement
will be able to offer customers a turnkey solution, with in-orbit
delivery of a low Earth orbit satellite system.
The partnership between SpaceX and Astrium paves the way for
potential future cooperation.
“SpaceX's Falcon 1e launch vehicle was designed to provide
the highest level of reliability as well as the lowest dedicated
mission price of any orbital launch system,” said Elon Musk,
CEO and CTO of SpaceX. “SpaceX is pleased to be the launch
services provider for this mission.”
SpaceX Falcon 1 Launch
“This Falcon 1e contract allows Astrium to provide a
competitive solution for in-orbit delivery of an Earth observation
satellite in low Earth orbit,” said Evert Dudok CEO of
Astrium Satellites. “This deal will ultimately benefit
customers seeking innovative and low-cost solutions for valuable
Earth observation programs.”
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