Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) has completed the
qualification testing program of its Merlin 1C next generation
liquid fueled rocket booster engine for use in the Falcon 1 rocket.
Tests were conducted at the SpaceX Texas Test Facility near Waco,
TX, on a Merlin 1C configured for powering the first stage of a
Falcon 1 rocket.
International Launch Services (ILS) has nailed down a contract
for the launch of two SIRIUS Satellite Radio satellites on their
Proton Breeze M vehicle. SIRIUS expects to launch SIRIUS FM-6 under
the contract announced Friday. SIRIUS FM-6 is currently under
construction at Space Systems/Loral and is anticipated to be
launched in the fourth quarter of 2010.
NASA has signed a $47.5 million contract modification with
Lockheed Martin, New Orleans, for space shuttle external fuel
tanks. The modification aligns and extends all activities
associated with the production contract to include final assembly
of one tank, partial manufacture of a tank and the acquisition of
the component parts for one additional tank to serve as spares.
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