Wed, Mar 17, 2010
SpaceX Will Launch A Satellite Into Geosynchronous Transfer
Orbit As Early As 2012
Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and Space
Systems/Loral (SS/L) have signed an agreement for the launch of an
SS/L manufactured satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 as early as
2012. For this mission, Falcon 9 will launch from the SpaceX launch
site at Cape Canaveral and insert the satellite into a
geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).
Space Systems/Loral builds GEO commercial satellites, capturing
40 percent of the high-power market since 2004. The company has an
international roster of customers, and its 1300 model satellite is
a decades-proven, modular platform with the industry’s
highest power capability and the flexibility to support a broad
range of applications including high definition television and
broadband.
"SpaceX is proud to be selected by Space Systems/Loral as they
are one of the premier manufacturers of commercial satellites and
the industry leader in satellite sales," said Gwynne Shotwell,
President of SpaceX. "With 24 Falcon 9 flights now on manifest,
SpaceX has established itself as an excellent partner for both
commercial and government customers, and we look forward to
supporting Space Systems/Loral on this launch."
“Like SS/L, the SpaceX team is committed to flawless
performance and reliability,” said John Celli, president of
Space Systems/Loral. “We are working closely with SpaceX to
ensure the success of a 1300 launch based on our many years of
experience. With numerous Falcon 9 launches on their manifest over
the next two years, we are assured of a successful flight history
in advance of our mission.”
SpaceX's Falcon 9 is a medium-to-heavy lift, two-stage launch
vehicle capable of lifting approximately 11 tons to low Earth orbit
(LEO) and in excess of 4.5 tons to GTO currently under testing at
Cape Canaveral in Florida. Falcon 9, along with SpaceX's Dragon
spacecraft, were selected by NASA to resupply the International
Space Station starting later this year.
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