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

[Lee McLamb]

The last time I spoke with them they were pretty focused on getting their 
Falcon-1 operation going.  I will be talking with them again in August.

We're also keeping a keen eye on the Soyuz-ST developments in Kourou.  In 
short I try to look at every launch vehicle and payload adapter and see how 
it might be useful to AMSAT.  I also continue to look at non-GTO options such 
as GPS-drift orbits and Geosync.  That is how the Intelsat rideshare 
opportunity came to my attention. As a famous scientist said, "We cannot 
solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them".  So 
I try very hard to keep thinking out side the box (or ellipse in the case of 
orbits) on how achieve our vision.


Lee-KU4OS


On Tuesday 22 July 2008 21:13:36 Bill Ress wrote:
> 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
> >>>>