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Posted on 09/05/2009 3:49:05 PM PDT by KevinDavis
WASHINGTON — Satellite messaging service provider Orbcomm of Fort Lee, N.J., has selected Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) to launch 18 second-generation Orbcomm satellites starting as early as the fourth quarter of 2010, the companies announced Sept. 3
(Excerpt) Read more at spacenews.com ...
Falcon 1 is impressive, but Falcon 9 looks very risky from my POV.
9 small engines that fly in a controllable way is not going to be easy or reliable IMO.
And it all has to be made to work with an engine out scenario - for any of the 9 engines.
The Launch Business is all about reliability and they have allot of demonstrating to do to prove their case.
cool
This is GREAT news. Corporations are the future of space travel.
to launch 18 second-generation Orbcomm satellitesSure, they're not payin' much, but if the generation only lasts 18 seconds, SpaceX will have a lot of repeat business.
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