Space X Earns Satellite Rocket Contract
By Space Coast Daily // January 29, 2013
Historic Partnership
WASHINGTON, D.C – Satellite service provider Intelsat and the Space X company have announced plans to team up under the first commercial contract awarded for the Falcon Heavy Lift Rocket.
“SpaceX is very proud to have the confidence of Intelsat, a leader in the satellite communication services industry,” said Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO and Chief Designer.
“The Falcon Heavy has more than twice the power of the next largest rocket in the world. With this new vehicle, SpaceX launch systems now cover the entire spectrum of the launch needs for commercial, civil and national security customers.”
Intesat officials said the decision to join with Space X was logical.
“Timely access to space is an essential element of our commercial supply chain,” said Thierry Guillemin, Intelsat CTO.
“As a global leader in the satellite sector, our support of successful new entrants to the commercial launch industry reduces risk in our business model. Intelsat has exacting technical standards and requirements for proven flight heritage for our satellite launches. We will work closely with SpaceX as the Falcon Heavy completes rigorous flight tests prior to our future launch requirements.”
This is the first commercial contract for SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch vehicle. Under the agreement, an Intelsat satellite will be launched into geosynchronous transfer orbit.
The Falcon Heavy is the most powerful rocket in the world and historically is second only to the Apollo-era Saturn V moon rocket.
It is capable of lifting 53 metric tons (117,000 pounds) to low Earth orbit and over 12 metric tons (26,000 pounds) to geosynchronous transfer orbit.
Falcon Heavy will provide more than twice the performance to low Earth orbit of any other launch vehicle.
This will allow SpaceX to launch the largest satellites ever flown and will enable new missions.
Building on the reliable flight proven architecture of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, Falcon Heavy is also designed for exceptional reliability, meeting both NASA human rating standards as well as the stringent U.S. Air Force requirements for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program, making it an attractive solution for commercial, civil and military customers.
Intelsat is the leading provider of satellite services worldwide. For more than 45 years, Intelsat has been delivering information and entertainment for many of the world’s leading media and network companies, multinational corporations, Internet Service Providers and governmental agencies.
