[amsat-bb] Re: Launch Costs (was-re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol. 7, Issue 312)

[John Floyd]

Orbital is flying out of Wallops some time this fall with a "mass simulator" in preparation for the ISS resupply. I am guessing negotiations should have started years ago to provide some of that mass. 
 http://www.orbital.com/CargoResupplyServices/Missions/
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From: amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org [amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] on behalf of R Oler [orbitjet at hotmail.com]
Sent: 25 September 2012 00:05
To: glasbrenner at mindspring.com
Cc: Amsat BB
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Launch Costs (was-re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol. 7, Issue 312)

Drew..No it is not a false premise.

.if SpaceX is flying with "not used" mass we should at least approach them to be able to see if we could put payloads on the vehicle..or take something to ISS...there is mass and space, the launch on Oct 7 will only carry 1000 lbs.  Also we might be able to find some space on the Falcon heavy launch.

Robert WB5MZO

CC: amsat-bb at amsat.org
From: glasbrenner at mindspring.com
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Launch Costs (was-re: AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol. 7, Issue 312)
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2012 21:56:33 -0400
To: orbitjet at hotmail.com

That's correct, but then again SpaceX isn't in business to give away launches. It's a false premise.
However, the Fox project is building multiple flight units, because occasionally 1U cubesat slots do open on short notice, and an off-the-shelf spacecraft has a chance to fly. This isn't without cost however. As an example, the solar cells for Fox cost about $500 each, with 12 per spacecraft. Spare flight units also need to be tested and properly stored and maintained. But, with the cubesat form factor flying so often, it's a good risk. Other form factor spacecraft would require significant vehicle dependent engineering to launch in anything other than a PPOD or variant.
73, Drew KO4MA

Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 24, 2012, at 8:05 PM, R Oler <orbitjet at hotmail.com> wrote:


If AMSAT were given a "near free" launch by SpaceX or any of the other new rocket folks there is nothing to put on the bird.

The Dragon launching to the space station Oct 7th is only carring 1000 pounds there is a lot of excess lift capability...nothing to put on it

Robert WB5MZO



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