Nov 23 2005
SpaceDev has signed a contract with SpaceX of El Segundo, CA to purchase specified launch services on a Falcon I launch vehicle. 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.
With SpaceDev's capability to design, build, integrate and launch low cost high performance micro- and nano-satellites, SpaceDev now provides one stop shopping for responsive, affordable and reliable access to space for a wide variety of payloads. SpaceDev plans to launch a combination of microsatellites and nanosats on each Falcon launch. SpaceDev 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. "SpaceDev is now in a position to simultaneously profit from building and from launching small high tech space vehicles."
"I met Jim Benson and visited SpaceDev when I first became interested in space as a business possibility," said Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX. "It is a pleasure to work with the team at SpaceDev – they have earned a reputation for doing things well and on-time. We expect to conduct our first successful launch of the Falcon I in the near future, and I look forward to SpaceDev being a significant long-term customer for our responsive and low cost launch 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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