Thu, Mar 17, 2011
Falcon 9 Booster To Launch SES-8 To GTO In 2013
As the Satellite 2011 conference kicked off in Washington,
D.C., Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and SES announced an
agreement Monday to launch an SES satellite using the Falcon 9
rocket.
SES is one of the largest satellite operators in the world, and the
deal marks what will be the first geostationary satellite launch
using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The firm launch agreement with
SpaceX also includes an option for a second SES launch. It
supplements SES' existing multi-launch agreements with its
traditional launch providers Arianespace and ILS.
"As a world-leading telecommunications satellite operator, SES is
in a position to choose the very best. SES is known for their
low tolerance to risk and cautious approach in evaluating
suppliers," said Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO and Chief Technical
Officer. "SpaceX has focused on building the most reliable,
safe and affordable launch vehicles in the market today. The
SES deal shows that even the most conservative commercial or
government customers can have confidence flying their satellites on
the Falcon 9 rocket."
States Romain Bausch, President and CEO of SES: "Access to space
is of utmost importance to SES, as we embark on our most ambitious
fleet expansion program yet. After extensive due diligence of
SpaceX's technical and operational expertise, we feel comfortable
entrusting SpaceX with one of our satellites, thereby encouraging
diversity in the launch vehicle sector and fostering
entrepreneurial spirit in the space industry. Falcon 9 ideally
complements our roster of Ariane 5 and Proton boosters, as well as
our framework launch understanding with Sea Launch. We look forward
to a successful collaboration with SpaceX on the SES-8 mission and
beyond."
The SES-8 satellite is scheduled to launch in the first quarter
of 2013 from SpaceX's Launch Complex 40 at the Air Force Station at
Cape Canaveral, Florida.
More News
Aero Linx: International Business Aviation Council Ltd IBAC promotes the growth of business aviation, benefiting all sectors of the industry and all regions of the world. As a non->[...]
"During the annual inspection of the B-24 “Diamond Lil” this off-season, we made the determination that 'Lil' needs some new feathers. Due to weathering, the cloth-cove>[...]
Also: Bushcat Woes, Hummingbird 300 SL 4-Seat Heli Kit, Carbon Cub UL The newest Junkers is a faithful recreation that mates a 7-cylinder Verner radial engine to the airframe offer>[...]
Also: Seaplane Pilots Association, Rotax 916’s First Year, Gene Conrad After a decade and a half of struggling with the FAA and other aero-politics, G100UL is in production a>[...]
Also: Martha King Scholarship, Montaer Grows, Textron Updates Pistons, FlySto The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for >[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.16.24)
See All