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

[Bill Ress]

Hi Lee,

Thanks for your input on SpaceX. Do you know if AMSAT has contacted any 
of the multi-manifest brokers working with SpaceX to try and flush out 
cost versus payload estimates on the multi-manifest payloads?

Regards...Bill - N6GHz

Lee McLamb wrote:
> 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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