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SpaceDev Orders SpaceX Falcon Launch Vehicle |
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POWAY, CA, Nov. 23, 2005/Satnews Daily/ — SpaceDev has signed a contract with SpaceX of El Segundo, CA to purchase specified launch services on a Falcon I launch vehicle.
SpaceDev said the launch vehicle is planned for multiple primary microsatellite payloads and multiple secondary nanosatellite payloads produced by SpaceDev or other suppliers. SpaceDev has tentatively scheduled the first launch for May 2008, with additional optional launches to follow.
According to SpaceDev, it plans to launch a combination of microsatellites and nanosats on each Falcon launch. SpaceDev said it considers the Falcon I launch vehicle, which is capable of delivering more than 600kg (1200 pounds) to low earth orbit, to be one of the most cost-effective domestic launch vehicles currently available.
“By combining SpaceDev microsat expertise with the purchase and scheduling of low cost launches, SpaceDev is providing a unique service to the space industry. This action reduces risk for payload and microsat producers by making available relatively low cost launches for their products. In addition, we believe this action will further stimulate growth in the demand for SpaceDev micro- and nano-satellites,” said Jim Benson, SpaceDev founding chairman and CEO. He said SpaceDev is now in a position to simultaneously profit from building and from launching small high tech space vehicles.
“SpaceDev's success in obtaining contracts to develop microsats and to conduct feasibility studies for multiple microsats and nanosats, as well as research commissioned by the California Space Authority, indicate that the demand for SpaceDev's type of low cost high performance space vehicles is increasing,” concluded Benson. “We believe the bottleneck to more rapid growth in demand has been cheap access to space and that these plans are a significant step forward in removing that barrier.”
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