SpaceX Books 2 More Launch Contracts from MDA, Air Force

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., June 1, 2006/Satnews Daily/ ― SpaceX Technologies announced on Wednesday its launch manifest has now reached double digits after winning its ninth launch contract from MDA Corporation of Canada. This launch will carry Cassiope satellite on a Falcon 9 in mid 2008.

SpaceX said its tenth launch agreement is a second responsive launch demonstration of the Falcon 1 for DARPA/Air Force in late 2006. This follows the first responsive launch demonstration in March 2006, which was also the maiden flight of Falcon 1.

SpaceX maiden flight ended in disaster in March this year when Falcon 1 rocket tumbled out of control and slammed into the Pacific Ocean shortly after its liftoff from the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Test Site on Omelek Island near Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean’s Marshall Islands.

A preliminary investigation conducted by SpaceX has concluded that a fuel leak triggered a fire around the top of Falcon 1 leading to the destruction of the rocket. However, the company has yet to announce the official results of a formal US Government-led anomaly investigation.

In addition to the ten launches on manifest, SpaceX said it has a $100 million IDIQ contract for launch of Falcon 1 in place with the Air Force.

“SpaceX is very appreciative of the continued support and confidence of our customers," said Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO.

SpaceX is attracting customers because of its promise to any satellite into any orbit at the most cost effective price in the world.

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