[amsat-bb] Re: Cost of an HEO launch

[Lee McLamb]

Yes,  AMSAT has been closely watching the developments with SpaceX for several 
years. I've also spoken with several people from the company.  Currently they 
do not have a launch vehicle capable of reaching GTO type orbits.  That will 
change as they bring the Falcon-9 on line.  I think the encouraging part is 
they are already accommodating secondary payloads on Falcon-1 missions.  What 
types of capabilities the Falcon-9 will have are as yet unknown.

My day job at the Eastern Range also happens to include working on the Falcon 
program as SpaceX converts and activates Complex 40 for Falcon-9 launches.

73,
Lee-KU4OS
AMSAT Exec. VP

On Sunday 20 July 2008 15:45:32 Bill Ress wrote:
> Hi Dave,
>
> While SpaceX only works with primary single manifest customers, but if
> those customers can't use the entire payload, then they can work with
> third party multi-manifest "brokers" and we in turn could work with
> these multi-manifest "brokers" for a piece of the payload. For sure,
> lots of negotiating required when and if we find that a primary manifest
> customer doesn't need the whole payload.
>
> I really don't know if AMSAT management has any activity pursuing this
> avenue of launch, but if they don't, they should!!
>
> Regards,,,Bill - N6GHz (AMSAT Board Candidate)
>
> Dave hartzell wrote:
> > David-
> >
> > Actually, the SpaceX Falcon 1 or 1e could put a spacecraft into HEO or
> > lunar transfer orbit:
> >
> > http://www.spacex.com/FalconLunarCapabilityGuide.pdf
> >
> > The stated cost for this is around $9m.  Of course, they haven't
> > gotten a successful orbit yet from a F1....maybe the third time will
> > be the charm.  Hitching a ride on a larger launch vehicle like the F9
> > is interesting, assuming there is capacity and the willingness to be a
> > guinea pig (and there WILL be a cost to anyone wanting a ride)...
> >
> > It will be interesting to see what launch opportunities will be
> > available in the next few years (if any)...
> >
> > Dave
> > AF6KD
> >
> > On Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 4:40 PM,  <G0MRF at aol.com> wrote:
> >> The anticipated 'going rate' for this new vehicle is shown at the bottom
> >> of the page.
> >>
> >> _http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php_ (http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php)
> >>
> >>
> >> Test flight anyone?
> >>
> >> David
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
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